'Your bravery will never be forgotten' - Tributes pour in following passing of Charlie Bird

Charlie Bird has passed away at the age of 74, following a long battle with Motor Neuron disease.

Tributes have been pouring in for the legendary journalist on social media from those who knew him, and those who had been inspired by him over his long career. 

In a long thread on X, Tánaiste Micheál Martin said,

"Deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Charlie Bird, who inspired so many with the courage, generosity of spirit and dignity he faced his battle with Motor Neuron disease. As a journalist and broadcast for RTÉ, Charlie had few peers"

Deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Charlie Bird, who inspired so many with the courage, generosity of spirit and dignity he faced his battle with Motor neurone disease.
As a journalist and broadcaster for RTE, Charlie had few peers.

— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) March 12, 2024

RTÉ News correspondent and former colleague of Charlie's, Samantha Libreri said,

"My mentor and my friend. I learned so much from Charlie Bird and was so lucky to have his support and friendship. I've never met anyone with his passion, energy and excitement for a story. I'll miss him so much but carry his words and wisdom with me every day that I do my job."

My mentor and my friend ❤️ I learned so much from Charlie Bird and was so lucky to have his support and friendship. I’ve never met anyone with his passion, energy and excitement for a story. I’ll miss him so much but carry his words and wisdom with me every day that I do my job https://t.co/Xw6uTUwiJn pic.twitter.com/Gjg0xHSitE

— Samantha Libreri (@SamanthaLibreri) March 12, 2024

Dr Cliodhna Carroll said,

"So sad to read of Charlie Bird's death. He was the face & voice of the news for most of my life. His dignity & advocacy with his 'hand of friendship' throughout his journey with MND was admirable. His iconic voice taken by MND felt cruel & reminded me of my grandad's voice."

So sad to read of Charlie Bird’s death. He was the face & voice of the news for most of my life. His dignity & advocacy with his “hand of friendship” throughout his journey with MND was admirable. His iconic voice taken by MND felt cruel & reminded me of my grandad’s voice

— Dr Cliodhna Carroll (@CarrollCliodhna) March 12, 2024

Charlie died yesterday and is survived by his wife Claire, daughters Orla and Nessa, grandchildren Abigail, Charlie, Edward, Harriet and Hugo, his three brothers and of course, his beloved dog Tiger.