Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald has today expressed her deep sadness at the news of the death of legendary broadcaster and journalist Charlie Bird and extended her condolences to his wife Claire, his daughters Orla and Neasa, the wider family, and all of Charlie’s former journalistic colleagues. 

She said “His dedication to pursuing news stories, his involvement with the people affected by those stories, his good humour and his impressive bravery in the face of illness, is what we will remember most about Charlie Bird. Suaimhneas sioraí dá Anam.”

Ms. McDonald said:

“Like the rest of Ireland, I was deeply saddened at the news today of the death of legendary broadcaster and journalist Charlie Bird.

“One of our best known journalists over four decades, Charlie covered some of the most important news stories in that period.

“Charlie always covered those stories with great determination and enthusiasm and his familiar and distinctive broadcasting style became trusted by Irish people of all ages.

“His work on the Stardust tragedy over so many years – ever since arriving as the first reporter at the scene of the fire in 1981 – is a stand out achievement of his career.

“Charlie will be remembered also for his role in covering the events of the emerging Irish peace process, and in particular as the RTÉ contact person for the IRA in those years. 

“Diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2021, his decision to go public about his illness was much admired and helped to educate so many about this devastating condition. 

“Charlie’s bravery and dogged charity campaign work in the face of the restrictions imposed by his illness was truly inspiring.

“His dedication to pursuing news stories, his involvement with the people affected by those stories, his good humour and his impressive bravery in the face of illness, is what we will remember most about Charlie Bird.

“My deepest sympathy and condolences, and that of Sinn Féin are with Charlie’s wife Claire, his daughters Orla and Neasa, the wider family, and all of Charlie’s former journalistic colleagues. Suaimhneas sioraí dá Anam.”