DUBLIN-born broadcaster and journalist Charlie Bird has revealed he received a diagnosis of Motor Neurone Disease.
The former RTÉ chief news correspondent announced his diagnosis in a tweet on Wednesday.
"Recently I spoke about issues with my voice. I now know why," he wrote.
"I have been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. Thanks to all my pals for their amazing support. And the kindness from so many people. Stay safe everyone."
The 72-year-old, who retired from RTÉ in 2012, delved further into his incurable condition while speaking yesterday on RTÉ Radio 1's Liveline show.
Motor Neurone Disease affects the nervous system and worsens over time, in some cases leaving sufferers to make basic movements such as walking, swallowing, or breathing unaided.
Mr Bird, who was famously RTÉ's only point of contact with the IRA during the 1990s, told the show he tries to walk up to 10 miles per day when possible.
"I got a coughing fit that I never had in my life and it really floored me. Since Patrick's Day, things have been coming and going with my voice and I knew it was something strange," he said.
"I do know that at some stage things are going to disimprove."
However, he said he intends to continue living his life as he wants while still able.
"I still go to my local pub, sit in the corner and do my crossword," he said.
"The people in that pub have been brilliant to me. As human beings, they have been bloody marvellous."
