Legendary broadcaster Charlie Bird has died at the age of 74.
He had been living with motor neuron disease since 2021 and spoke openly about his diagnosis.
He joined RTÉ in the 1970s, where he worked for 40 years.
He was born in Dublin in 1949.
Throughout his career he had a number of roles including Washington Correspondent - when he tracked down the home of the now-convicted Anglo Irish Bank executive David Drumm.
In 2021 Charlie said he was having problems with his voice, and was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease.
He then announced Climb With Charlie, up Croagh Patrick and raised more than €3.6m for the Irish Motor Neuron Disease Association.
Charlie Bird is survived by his wife Claire, two daughters, two daughters, five grandchildren, and his dog Tiger.
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
President Michael D Higgins says: "It is with the deepest sadness that all of the Irish people, and particularly all of those who were his allies in campaigning for so many significant causes, will have learnt of the death of Charlie Bird.
"Perhaps above all else, Charlie will be remembered for the deeply moving contribution which he has made since his diagnosis with Motor Neurone Disease in 2021, having first noticed that something was not right three years ago this week on St Patrick’s Day of that year.
"Inspirational"
Lillian McGovern, CEO, Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association says: "We at the IMNDA are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the wonderful and truly inspirational Charlie Bird. On behalf of our team, I extend our heartfelt condolences to Charlie’s wife Claire, children Neasa and Orla, his grandchildren and of course his beloved dog Tiger.
"Charlie’s impact on the MND community in Ireland and even further afield is immeasurable. His ability to extend the hand of friendship,as he so beautifully phrased it, and bring together thousands of people in every part of the country for Climb with Charlie was incredible. It resulted in millions being raised and marked the beginning of what was, and continued to be, an unwavering commitment to fight MND; to support people living with MND and their families; and to make a meaningful difference.
"We will forever be grateful for the impact Charlie has made for the IMNDA, not only in terms of funding, which has so greatly helped us improve how we can support families; but also in terms of the impact his presence has had on creating awareness, getting people to sit up and take notice of what is truly a devastating disease.
"In many ways, Charlie started the important conversation, and it is up to all of us to continue it in his honour.
"Charlie has truly left an enduring legacy, whose impact will be written in history and will be felt by all of us for many, many years to come. The world has lost a real hero, but his fight for a brighter future for the MND community will continue."
