“This story asks me questions about an era that would shape who I would become and it will be my last”
Legendary journalist Charlie Bird is set to break ‘one last story’ in an upcoming documentary.
The RTÉ broadcaster sadly passed away in March at the age of 74 after a long battle with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
The new documentary, titled Ransom ’79, will follow Bird as he investigates ‘an extraordinary true crime story’, one that had ‘remained a secret for decades’.
Ransom ’79 will see the journalist explore ‘the attempt by a criminal gang to extort millions from the Irish government’.
The documentary is 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.”
Speaking to RTÉ, the film’s director, Colm Quinn, said planning for ‘Ransom ’79’ began before Bird was diagnosed with MND in 2021.
Despite his illness, Bird still wanted to pursue the story, which Quinn says was 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,” he told the news outlet.
“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.”
Alongside the documentary, the late journalist also campaigned for several charities.
Thousands of people climbed peaks both at home and abroad in support of the broadcaster’s personal pilgrimage to climb Croagh Patrick as part of the Climb With Charlie campaign in April 2022.
The campaign raised €3.4 million for a number of charities, including the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and Pieta.
Throughout his career as a broadcaster and journalist, he garnered commendation 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.
Bird is survived by his wife Claire, daughters Orla and Nessa, grandchildren Abigail, Charlie, Edward, Harriet and Hugo, his three brothers, and his beloved dog, Tiger.
Ransom ’79 is set for release in Irish cinemas on May 24th.
You can watch the full trailer for Ransom ’79 below:
