Then, the pup let out a cry. It was an emotional highlight at a memorial service filled with touching moments. Tiger Bird, rose to the occasion, exhibiting a knack for a good tale, reminiscent of what his journalist master used to do. Timing, after all, can mean everything.
It wouldn’t be hard to picture Charlie Bird, from some alternative reality, heartily exclaiming, “That’s my lad!” ensuring that the heavenly photographer captured the scene for the prime-time broadcast. This spontaneous event took place as Charlie Bird’s memorial service was nearing its conclusion at Mansion House, Dublin on Thursday.
Following a series of heartfelt tributes and remembrances of her dearly departed spouse, Charlie’s wife, Claire, ascended the podium. Above her was an enlarged display of images featuring Charlie, affectionately holding their cherished white cockapoo – Tiger. Gathering her courage, her voice strained as she expressed how challenging it was to convey her feelings about their life together while suffering from heartbreak.
Just as she spoke those words, a chorus of desperate whimpers and sorrowful barks filled the air – it was Tiger. Charlie’s loyal friend through his tough battle with motor neurone disease. A battle that Charlie turned into a valiant cause for fundraising and public awareness. Tiger was still present, offering solace.
Spectators in the circular hall held their breath, exchanging incredulous looks. Taking a moment away from the microphone, Claire went to collect Tiger. The room erupted in cheers. Upon returning to the podium with the little canine safely in her arms, she found the courage to proceed.
Earlier in the day, Charlie’s environmentally-friendly, handwoven water hyacinth casket had been carried into the historic Round Room of the Mansion House by family and former colleagues from RTÉ. A respectful salute from the Clew Bay Pipe Band accompanied their path. Laying their black Glengarry hats on the ground as a tribute, the pipe band played ‘Raglan Road’.
Passing through the doors, a pride flag tribute by members of the LGBT community formed the second honour guard. Charlie played a significant role in the campaign that resulted in marriage equality, authoring the book ‘A Day in May,’ which subsequently inspired a stage adaptation.
The commemoration event was marked as “a tribute to Charlie Bird’s life,” with the programme highlighting Joe O’Brien, Charlie’s fellow RTÉ personnel and ally for more than four decades, as the “officiant”, which led to laughter among seasoned journalists. In earlier days, this pair of ex-correspondents would have shared the honour of consecrating numerous stout pints.
Considering the challenges of the previous year, it was beneficial for the diligent journalists and newsroom middle-management, active and retired, to be able to gather, recollect, and enjoy a few laughs without the need for evidence of expenditure from an Oireachtas committee.
Kevin Bakhurst, RTÉ’s director general, was present, as was the newly appointed RTÉ chair, Terence O’Rourke. On any other occasion, politicians and the like would have been swarming the venue, but their duty on St Patrick’s Day led them elsewhere.
Labour’s leading figure, Ivana Bacik, conveyed her condolences in company with deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, whilst senator Timmy Dooley represented Fianna Fáil, together with Mansion House’s resident and Lord Mayor, Daithí de Róiste.
Irish Secretary Séamus Dooley led a substantial delegation from the National Union of Journalists. There’s uncertainty whether they were accepting suggestions or expressions of remorse from RTÉ staff upon departure.
Around 400 attendees, comprising family, past colleagues, and general public members, assembled for the noon ceremony. Music was superbly delivered by Matt Molloy with the flute, violinist Liam O’Connor, bodhrán player Kevin Conneff, and pipe musician Seán Potts.
To initiate the proceedings, Charlie’s five grandchildren laid personal tokens of his life beside the flower-filled casket. Among the items were a family picture, two biographies, a tome on Bruce Springsteen, the wooden cane he utilised for his Croagh Patrick treks, a postcard illustrated by Joe Duffy, and the rosary gifted by Daniel O’Donnell, set to be interred with him on Inis Oírr in the Aran Islands.
Orla and Neasa, daughters of the celebrated figure, reminisced about their father, who was both amusing and remarkable. They commended his bravery while contending with motor neuron disease, a battle he tersely fought until his ultimate days. Friend Joe O’Brien beautifully eulogised him as a magnanimous, quick-witted companion who had an insatiable appetite for news stories.
Sean O’Rourke, another familiar face at RTÉ, indicating the ongoing furore, underlined Charlie’s fierce dedication towards public service broadcasting and his unwavering adherence to journalistic excellence, asserting those principles would persist. O’Rourke then expressed an emotion-laden tribute to Charlie by rightfully labelling him as the “People’s Correspondent”.
Tales from Charlie’s previous news editor, Ray Burke, recorded his companion’s extensive travels in pursuit of news, while TV news editor, Dympna Moroney, mentioned an episode where she transported Charlie to rendezvous with a clandestine contact in an underground car park, retelling his instructions unmistakably: “If I don’t return within 20 minutes, alert the newsroom, then the authorities”.
Stardust survivor, Antoinette Keegan, emphasised Charlie’s relentless support for families seeking justice post the dreadful nightclub inferno in 1981, where 48 people tragically lost their lives, recalling Charlie as one of the first reporters onsite.
Defence Forces Chief of Staff, Lt General Sean Clancy, notable for his involvement in the ‘Climb with Charlie’ fundraising campaign, and LGBTQ+ rights advocate, Karl Hayden, also shared heartfelt words in remembrance.
Despite Charlie’s public life and commitment to visual storytelling via news broadcasts, a controversial discord was the prohibition on photography or filming during the gathering, leaving camera crews disgruntled. The sole exemption was for the team capturing footage for an upcoming documentary about the man himself.
Charlie Bird, a never-ending journalist, genuine companion, and relentless truth seeker, made a remarkable impact in the RTÉ newsroom. Fr Charlie McDonnell, the parish priest of Athenry and a good friend, gives his blessing. Claire, Charlie’s wife, showcased a poignant and deeply moving video of select memorable moments in their lives, as well as that of Tiger, triggering her heartfelt words “I adore you, Bird, your absence will be deeply felt.”
Along with that, an audio play of Springsteen’s ‘Land of Hope and Dreams’ which was followed by Kevin Conneff’s mesmerising performance of ‘The Parting Glass’ provoked a wave of emotion throughout the venue, leaving scarcely a single eye untearful. Suddenly, Daniel O’Donnell emerged on the screen, connecting from Australia, and performed ‘Remember Me’.
After the service, the family remained to receive condolences, and the waiters served refreshments. One retired RTÉ staff’s comment struck a chord, “Despite the numerous tributes about his remarkable global news coverage, the final triennial period of Charlie’s life was undoubtedly his most remarkable tale.”