Charlie is feeling as free as a Bird after honour
JOURNALIST and charity worker Charlie Bird has been honoured with the Freedom of Co. Wicklow.
The retired broadcaster, a native of Sandymount, Co. Dublin, was given the honour by Wicklow County Council in recognition of his professional achievements and his campaigning for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and Pieta House.
Charlie, 73, lives in Ashford, Co. Wicklow, with his wife Claire and dog Tiger, and has now become the third recipient of the award, joining actor Daniel Day-Lewis and boxer Katie Taylor on the Roll of Persons So Honoured.
In October last year, Charlie revealed he had been diagnosed with motor neurone disease, leading to the deterioration of his voice – which he called his ‘life’. Since then he has worked tirelessly to generate funds and awareness to fight the illness through his campaign Climb With Charlie, raising nearly €3.4million.
Commenting on the award, he said: ‘I am deeply honoured to receive the Freedom of Wicklow, following in the footsteps of Daniel Day-Lewis and the great Katie Taylor.
‘I am accepting this amazing award on behalf of everyone across Ireland and abroad who helped to make Climb With Charlie the outstanding success it was. So thank you to the people of Wicklow for extending the hand of friendship.’
Wicklow County Council chief executive Brian Gleeson said: ‘We are all immensely proud of Charlie and it is a privilege to pay tribute to him. Charlie has brought honour to not only himself and his family, but to the people of Wicklow.’
Tommy Annesley, cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, highlighted the recipient’s ‘tireless fundraising work’ over the past year.
Charlie’s career in journalism spanned nearly four decades. He worked for RTÉ from the mid-Seventies until 2012, taking on roles such as chief news correspondent and Washington correspondent.