Ryan Tubridy remembers 'joyful' memory with Charlie Bird

Ryan Tubridy paid a heartfelt tribute to Charlie Bird, who died this morning after his battle with motor neurone disease.

Sharing a picture from the day the pair reached the summit of Croagh Patrick, Tubridy said: "A joyful memory of Charlie Bird who has sadly died. I will never forget his fortitude, forbearance and fearlessness in the face of a cruel illness. He raised awareness and funding for charities that needed it most.

"Condolences to his beloved Claire and his daughters, Orla and Nessa. Rest in peace Charlie and thank you for bringing us to the top of the mountain where perspective reigns supreme."

In 2022, Charlie Bird reached the summit of Croagh Patrick in Co Mayo, alongside friend Ryan Tubridy and his family. 

Despite his illness, the former broadcaster climbed up the 2,507-foot mountain in under two-and-a-half hours.

Charlie Bird passed away this morning at the age of 74. 

For RTE, the Dublin native reported on major news stories, such as the Stardust fire, the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the US, or the Indian ocean tsunami in 2004.