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An Uphill Battle: Charlie Bird by Aidan Bolger
or a certain generation, Charlie Bird was one of television’s strongest political journalists, determined to get to the truth of the matter over 
his four decades with RTÉ by always asking the difficult questions.
or a certain generation, Charlie Bird was one of television’s strongest political journalists, determined to get to the truth of the matter over 
his four decades with RTÉ by always asking the difficult questions.But the Ashford man unearthed a whole new kind of strength after he was diagnosed with motor neurone diseases in 2021.
Determined to use his time left to do some good, Bird campaigned to raise awareness of the condition whilst also raising millions for various charities.
And through it all, the man was always heartfelt and honest in his updates about how his day-to-day life had changed, and continued to change.
Upon reaching the peak of Croagh Patrick in April 2022 to raise money for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and Pieta, Bird said, “Even though I still cry a lot and with my motor neurone, crying is not that unusual; most times that I cry now is as a result of the kindness that is being extended to me every day.”
Upon reaching the peak of Croagh Patrick in Sure, how could Bono not write a song for such a man? And how could Wicklow County Council not bestow the Freedom Of The County upon him? And how Wicklow hikers resist a Sunday walk with the man?
Upon learning of his passing today at the age of 74, President Michael D Higgins described Mr Bird as “an excecptionally talented broadcaster” and “a truly remarkable man driving by a deep sense of social justice in the most positive sense.”
Hand of Friendship Walk in Avondale SUN16APR23
Mr Seamus Dooley, Irish secretary of the National Union of Journalists, said that Bird’s life should not be defined by his illness “but by the remarkable qualities he displayed in the face of adversity.”