An upcoming documentary will follow Charlie Bird “breaking one last story” before he passed away.
The Irish journalist died peacefully with his family by his side following a long battle with motor neurone disease in March, aged 74.
The film, titled Ransom ’79, explores Charlie investigating “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.”
The documentary is also described as “an exploration of how one man confronting his own mortality can find respite in doing the thing he loves, even in the most terrible of circumstances.”
The film’s director Colm Quinn told RTÉ: “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 a testament to his courage and determination.”
“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,” he added.
Charlie is survived by his wife Claire, daughters Orla and Nessa, grandchildren Abigail, Charlie, Edward, Harriet and Hugo, and his three brothers.
The former RTÉ correspondent was first diagnosed with MND in 2021, after noticing issues with his speech.
Despite his ill health, Charlie was an active campaigner for a number of charities.
In April 2022, thousands of people climbed peaks around Ireland and abroad in solidarity with the former broadcaster as he made a personal pilgrimage up Croagh Patrick as part of his Climb with Charlie campaign.
The campaign raised €3.4 million for a number of charities, including the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and Pieta.
Charlie was a well-known fixture on Irish TV screens, and covered a host of key news stories during his longstanding career.
In particular, the journalist won praise for his coverage of the 1981 Stardust fire, the Troubles in Northern Ireland, the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2010
Ransom ’79 will be released in cinemas on May 24th.
Watch the full trailer for the documentary below:
