Charlie Bird Illness: What Disease Does Charlie Bird Have?
by A Maria
Updated May 27, 2023
Who is Charlie Bird?
Charles Bird, an Irish journalist and broadcaster, has had a notable career in media. He served as the Chief News Correspondent for RTÉ News and Current Affairs until January 2009. Following his tenure in that role, he assumed the position of Washington Correspondent, but eventually returned to his previous post in Ireland in June 2010. Charles retired from his role at RTÉ in August 2012. Born in Sandymount, Dublin, in 1949, Charles Bird received his education at Sandymount High School. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for his contributions to journalism and broadcasting, bringing insightful news coverage to the audience. From his early years to his retirement, Charles has left a lasting impact on the media landscape in Ireland and beyond.
Charlie Bird Illness
Renowned broadcaster Charlie Bird has shared a somber update on his health, revealing that his condition has significantly deteriorated. Despite facing the challenges of motor neurone disease, Charlie has tirelessly raised millions of euros for related causes and remains determined to extend the hand of friendship while he still can. Acknowledging the support he has received nationwide, he expressed his desire for more charities and organizations to rally behind his cause.
Charlie's own health has taken a turn for the worse, but he remains committed to making a positive impact while he is able. Despite his personal struggles, he continues to campaign and raise funds to fight against the disease. In a recent update, he shared a glimmer of hope, revealing that he may not lose all his mobility. Grateful for the prayers and support he has received, Charlie expressed his empathy for fellow motor neurone disease patients who have become completely immobile.
While acknowledging the challenges he faces, Charlie emphasized that he is not giving up the fight. Although his health situation is far from ideal, he remains resilient and determined. His voice, however, has been completely lost due to the progression of the disease. Diagnosed with the incurable condition in late 2021, Charlie has displayed remarkable strength and courage throughout his battle with motor neurone disease.
What Disease Does Charlie Bird Have?
Charlie received a diagnosis of the incurable disease towards the end of 2021. Since then, he has been engaged in a courageous battle against motor neurone disease (MND). Sadly, in a recent disclosure, Charlie revealed that the disease has progressed to the point where he has completely lost his voice. Despite this setback, he continues to face the challenges with unwavering determination and strength.
What Age is Charlie Bird?
Charlie, 73, during the late 1960s, Bird developed a keen interest in far-left politics and became an active member of the Young Socialists. During his involvement with the group, he participated in significant events, such as attending the funeral of Peter Graham from Saor Éire, who was assassinated in a dispute on October 25, 1971. An iconic photograph captured Bird, along with Tariq Ali of the International Marxist Group, giving a clenched fist salute at the gravesite, symbolizing their solidarity and shared beliefs.
In the early 1970s, Bird joined Official Sinn Féin, which later became known as Sinn Féin: the Workers' Party. In 1973, he served as their director of elections in Dublin South-Central. However, Bird stated in 2022 that he had only been associated with the party for a brief period, leaving shortly after joining. It was during this time that he was recruited by Eoghan Harris, a member of the Workers' Party, to work for RTÉ (Raidió Teilifís Éireann), the national broadcaster of Ireland, in the mid-1970s. Bird's political affiliations later led him to briefly join the Labour Party. However, he left the party after Noel Browne's decision to walk out following the 1977 Labour party conference held in Cork.
Professional Career of Charlie Bird
Bird's journalistic career took him to various locations, including providing coverage of the devastating 2010 Haiti earthquake in January that year. Following this, a two-part documentary capturing his experiences during his first year in the United States was aired on RTÉ One later that month. In the documentary, Bird candidly discussed his decision to move to the country, acknowledging the challenges he faced due to his lack of contacts and recognition in Washington DC. Towards the conclusion of the second program, he announced his intention to step down from his Washington post. The two episodes garnered significant viewership, with average ratings of 473,000 and 563,000 people, a testament to Bird's popularity, as stated by RTÉ.
In June 2010, Bird returned to Ireland and resumed his previous role as Chief News Correspondent with RTÉ. Upon his return, he covered the highly publicized leadership challenge of Enda Kenny. Richard Downes assumed the Washington correspondent position in Bird's absence. Additionally, in August 2010, Bird took on the role of presenter for The Marian Finucane Show. He continued to make significant contributions to RTÉ until his retirement on August 26, 2012, with his final broadcast being his presentation of The Marian Finucane Show on RTÉ Radio 1.
Outside of his broadcasting career, Bird ventured into writing. In 2016, he released the book "A Day in May" in response to the Thirty-fourth Amendment of the Constitution of Ireland. Two years later, portions of the book were incorporated into a play bearing the same title, performed at the Olympia Theatre in Dublin. Additionally, Bird had a stint as the presenter of Tonight with Vincent Browne on TV3 from August 29 to September 1, 2016, showcasing his versatility and expertise in the media landscape.
Charlie Bird Wife Claire Mould
Charlie is the proud father of two daughters, Orla and Neasa, whom he had with his former wife, Mary O'Connor. Despite their divorce, Charlie and Mary have maintained a strong friendship over the years. In fact, Charlie expressed that he is now even better friends with the mother of his children. As modern parents, they prioritize their children and often come together as a family on special occasions such as birthdays and holidays, including Christmas. They cherish these moments and celebrate them together with their children.
After leaving his position in Washington, Charlie made the decision to be closer to his two daughters, grandson, and partner, Claire Mould. In 2016, Charlie and Claire, who is 20 years younger than him, tied the knot in a beautiful humanist ceremony in Dublin. They had been in a loving relationship for a decade prior to their marriage, and Charlie couldn't be happier. He emphasized that in their 10 years together, they have never had a single argument or disagreement, highlighting the immense happiness they share.
Interestingly, Charlie's perspective on dogs underwent a transformation when they adopted Tiger, a furry companion who won his heart. Tiger has become a great source of comfort for Charlie, especially in the face of his MND diagnosis. Charlie marvels at Tiger's ability to sense his distress and provide unconditional love during difficult times. The bond between them is truly remarkable, and Charlie cherishes the presence of this loving creature in his life.
Charlie Bird Bio
Name
Charles Brown Bird
DOB
September 9, 1949
Age
73
Place of birth
Sandymount, Dublin, Ireland
Nationality
Irish
Education
Sandymount High School
Occupation
Journalist
Notable credit
RTÉ News
Spouse
Mary O'Connor (1974 – 1998)
Children
2
SPECIFICATIONS
DETAILS
Charlie Bird Illness - FAQs
Charles Bird is an Irish journalist and broadcaster known for his significant contributions to the field of media. He has held various notable positions throughout his career, including Chief News Correspondent for RTÉ News and Current Affairs.
Charles Bird served as the Chief News Correspondent for RTÉ News and Current Affairs until January 2009. He played a crucial role in delivering news coverage and reporting on significant events during his time in this position.
Yes, Charles Bird assumed the role of Washington Correspondent at RTÉ after his tenure as Chief News Correspondent. However, he later returned to his previous post in Ireland in June 2010.
Charles Bird retired from his position at RTÉ in August 2012. His retirement marked the end of a distinguished career in journalism and broadcasting.
Charles Bird was born in Sandymount, Dublin, in 1949. He received his education at Sandymount High School, laying the foundation for his successful career in the media industry.