Kind Sir,
I encountered Charlie Bird for the first time in Bacolod City, located on the Negros island in the Philippines. During that time, he was engaged in reporting the trial of Columban Missionaries Niall O’Brien, Australian Brian Gore, Filipino cleric Vicente Dangan, and six lay leaders who were falsely implicated in the assassination of the regional mayor.
Locally, they were referred to as the Negros Nine. They had shown support for the rights of sugar cane labourers demanding better terms of work. However, this didn’t sit well with some influential “sugar barons,” who pinned the murder on them, even though the local populace widely believed that the New People’s Army, a rebel faction, was behind the crime.
Charlie Bird shared in the Far East magazine in 2014, marking 30 years since the Negros Nine were freed, that it was evident that the Marcos regime was particularly susceptible to pressure from the US, Australian, and Irish governments. However, governmental pressure was not the sole factor. A huge array of individuals from around the globe wrote letters and consistently rallied for the release of the nine.
Bird recounted his experience, saying, “I vividly recollect spending the Saint Patrick’s Day of 1984 in a Filipino prison cell with Niall O’Brien who was going through thousands of cards he had gotten from all over Ireland, Britain and Australia.” This was in large part due to the wide exposure that Charlie Bird provided with his live coverage for RTÉ.
Cheers, Charlie, for your unabated stance for justice in your homeland and beyond.
Rest in tranquillity. – Yours faithfully,
DONIE HOGAN,
Columban Missionaries,
Navan,
Co Meath.
Dear Sir,
We all have a feeling of familiarity with Charlie Bird. This can be attributed to his unwavering commitment to uncover the truth that defined his illustrious career or his candid journey through the adversities of life. He was an inspiration, to say the least.
For individuals facing challenging phases of life, Charlie was a ray of light in their darkest hours. His optimism, bravery and tenacity made everything seem achievable. He generously shared these admirable qualities with those afflicted with illnesses such as motor neurone disease (MND).
Our mother, Maureen Noone, received the heartbreaking news that she had Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in December of 2016. Shortly after, her speaking and mobility capabilities swiftly deteriorated. The extent of the physical and emotional deterioration from this disease is unimaginable, not only for the individual but also for their families. Yet, the enormous efforts made by individuals such as Charlie, in spreading awareness about MND, have had an invaluable impact.
Watching the emotional recount of Charlie’s journey with MND and his commitment to raise the profile of the disease on the Late Late Show alongside presenter Ryan Tubridy spurred an urge in me to join this vital cause. As a passionate songwriter, it was a moment of great significance for me to pen the lyrics for ‘Shine a Light’, a song subsequently beautifully performed by Michael English. The song was part of a precious fundraising drive, championed by Charlie, in support of two notable organisations, the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and Pieta House, in April 2022.
Each line I wrote was drawn directly from my emotional connection to this cause. Experiencing the tumultuous journey of MND with our mother daily, we take courage from observing her unwavering spirit, which echoes the strength we saw in Charlie during that Late Late Show appearance. Charlie’s extraordinary courage and selflessness in sharing his story publicly have given a voice to the silent sufferers and left a profound impact on countless lives.
The news of Charlie’s death filled us, including our mother, with great sorrow. On our family’s behalf, we extend our heartfelt sympathy to Claire, Orla, Neasa, Charlie’s broader family circle, his numerous friends, coworkers, and indeed, his closest confidant, Tiger.
Having met Charlie and Claire during the recording of ‘Shine a Light’ was a privilege. Charlie’s unwavering resilience and indomitable spirit will remain an enduring source of inspiration for all those he touched during his journey. May he find eternal peace.
Respectfully,
Sara Noone,
Kilkerrin,
County Galway.