Charlie Bird has been remembered as a hardworking, honest and mischievous man.
A memorial service for the former RTÉ journalist has taken place at the Mansion House in Dublin.
He died on Monday at the age of 74 after a long battle with motor neurone disease.
His grandchildren presented gifts to symbolise his life including rosary beads from Daniel O'Donnell, the staff he used on Croagh Patrick and a family photo.
His daughters spoke about his cheeky, loving and warm personality, while colleagues applauded his dedication, energy and drive as a journalist.
Former President Mary Robinson arriving at the Mansion House for Charlie Bird's funeral service, 14-3-24. Image: Leah Farrell / © RollingNews.ieA special guest, his beloved dog Tiger, was also in attendance.
As his wife Claire began her speech Tiger cried out, staying by her side until she left the stage.
Mr Bird served as RTÉ’s Chief News Correspondent for many years, reporting on some of the biggest stories in modern Irish history.
In 2008, he was appointed RTÉ’s Washington Correspondent, a role he bowed out of early because of homesickness.
He retired in 2012, after working with the broadcaster for nearly 40 years.
Family and loved ones follow Charlie Bird's coffin into the Mansion House ahead of his funeral service, 14-3-24. Image: Leah Farrell / © RollingNews.ieAfter he was diagnosed with motor neuron disease in 2021, his Climb with Charlie campaign raised over €3 million for Pieta House and the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association.
Leading tributes following his death President Michael D Higgins said it was “hard to underestimate” the value of Charlie’s charity work.
RTÉ Director General Kevin Bakhurst said he was a huge inspiration to his friends and colleagues.
RTÉ reporter Vivienne Traynor arriving at the Mansion House for Charlie Bird's funeral service, 14-3-24. Image: Leah Farrell / © RollingNews.ieTaoiseach Leo Varadkar said Ireland had lost a special person.
"He's somebody I knew well; I worked with him during his time as a journalist and got to know him a little bit in more recent years through his advocacy," he said.
"He was a special person, there isn't going to be somebody like him again I don't believe".
Charlie Bird's wife Claire arriving at the Mansion House for his funeral service, 14-3-24. Image: Leah Farrell / © RollingNews.ieMr Bird's family has asked for donations, if desired, to Wicklow Hospice.
He will be laid to rest on the smallest of the three Aran Islands, Inis Oirr, at a later date.
Reporting by: Sheila Naughton
