Former RTE correspondent Charlie Bird has died aged 74 after a long battle with motor neurone disease.
Bird was chief news correspondent with RTE News until January 2009, before later retiring in 2012.
Seamus Dooley, Irish secretary of the National Union of Journalists, said: “Although we have been expecting this news, it is still a moment of enormous sadness.
“Supported by his wife Claire, Charlie lived his battle with motor neurone disease in the public gaze, with characteristic determination and searing honesty.
“His life should not be defined by his illness but by the remarkable qualities he displayed in the face of adversity. He leaves a remarkable legacy.
“In retirement from RTE he enjoyed the freedom to pursue new projects. His commitment to the marriage equality referendum campaign reflected his genuine interest in social justice.”
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