A new film is to tell the story of Charlie Bird’s determination to break “one last story” before his life was cut short due to Motor Neurone Disease.
Former RTÉ journalist Charlie Bird passed away in March, having been diagnosed with MND in 2021. He was 74 years old.
During his career, Bird covered some of the biggest stories across Ireland and abroad. He joined RTÉ as a researcher in 1972, before eventually moving to the newsroom.
He went on to become of the most respected reporters and correspondents with the organisation.
Coming up next month, a new movie will tell “an extraordinary true crime story, one that had remained secret for decades – the attempt by a criminal gang to extort millions from the Irish government”.
“courage and determination”
The new documentary ‘Ransom 79’, will arrive on screens on May 24, produced by David Power and John Kelleher, and directed by Colm Quinn.
“I first discussed the Ransom ’79 story with Charlie before his MND diagnosis. That he still wanted to pursue it while facing such a terrible illness is testament to his courage and determination”, Quinn said of the movie.
“It was a privilege to travel around the country with him as he uncovered a truly unique story with his friend Colin Murphy. I know Charlie would be proud that his work has made it to the big screen, we miss him every day and feel very grateful to have helped him tell one last story”.
Watch the trailer below.
Following his diagnosis, Charlie Bird went on to lead a campaign called ‘Climb With Charlie’, where thousands of people climbed peaks around Ireland and abroad in solidarity with him, as he made a personal pilgrimage to Croagh Patrick.
Beginning in April 2022, the campaign raised €3.4 million for several charities, including the Irish Motor Neuron Disease Association and Pieta.
