Statement from the Lord Mayor of Dublin Daithí de Róiste on the death of Charlie Bird
Published on 12th March 2024
On behalf of all the citizens of Dublin, I would like to express my sincere condolences to Charlie’s family and his very many friends and former colleagues on his passing overnight.
This is terribly sad news that we are all waking up to this morning, and I know the people of Dublin are thinking of Claire & his family.
For many people across the city, and indeed the country, Charlie Bird was the man on their TV screen who kept them up to date with many of the biggest news stories of the last 40 years.
His diagnosis with motor neurone disease was a shock, but he bore his illness extremely bravely. There was no way he was going to retreat into his home and go quietly. Charlie made sure to squeeze every last drop out of life and was courageously campaigning right up to the end and extending the hand of friendship to everyone he met along the way.
I’ve had the absolute honour and privilege of getting to know Charlie since I became Lord Mayor of Dublin. From walking elephants around Dublin together in aid of the Samaritans to working together on the Lord Mayor’s Charity Ball of which IMNDA is one of the beneficiaries.
I last met Charlie when he came to the Mansion House to take part in my own ‘Always Kind’ campaign. This is dedicated to highlighting exceptionally kind individuals across our city and I can think of no better person to personify this virtue.
I will be opening a Book of Condolences for Charlie at the Mansion House from today, 12th March and the online Book of Condolences is open by clicking below.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.