Ransom '79: Charlie Bird to break 'one last story' in new film to be released in cinemas next month

A new film set to be released in Irish cinemas next month film will tell the story of the late Charlie Bird and his determination to break one final story before he passed away earlier this year.

The former RTE reporter died last month after a long battle with Motor Neuron Disease.

Bird is now set to appear in an upcoming documentary titled Ransom '79, which tells the story of the legendary Irish reporter "and his determination to break one final story before his life is cut short by Motor Neurone Disease".

READ MORE: How RTE legend Charlie Bird used his health battle to help others - alongside good friend Ryan Tubridy

The film will show Bird investigating an attempt by a criminal gang to extort millions from the Irish government, a story which remained secret for more than 40 years.

In 2021, Bird got another in a long line of “scoops” - the Garda file of a secret operation to foil a ransom threat from 1979, where a criminal gang threatened to destroy the Irish economy by releasing foot and mouth disease into the national herd, unless paid £5 million.

When he received the tip, Bird had lost his voice as a result of his MND battle, but clever use of technology meant he could still do interviews - using a voice app on his ipad - and, even as his strength falters, he kept chasing the story.

Determined to keep following the story, Bird recruits journalist & writer Colin Murphy to help. Together, they criss-cross the country, chasing down leads, interviewing former guards and politicians, and attempting to find the gang - even as Bird’s condition deteriorates.

According to producers, the documentary charts Charlie’s investigation and "reconstructs a scarcely-believable sequence of events that led from farce to tragedy, in a very different Ireland. But beneath it all, the film is 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 on the upcoming release, director Colm Quinn said: “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.

"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.”

Ransom ‘79 will be released in Irish cinemas on May 24.

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