HarperCollins Ireland snaps up ‘poignant’ memoir by broadcaster Bird

HarperCollins Ireland has snapped up broadcaster Charlie Bird’s “important and poignant” memoir about the triumph of the human spirit and what it means to be alive.  

Catherine Gough, commissioning editor, acquired world all language rights to Time and Tide directly from Bird. The book has been written with the help of Bird’s long-time friend and fellow journalist Ray Burke and will be published on 13th October.  

In 2021 Bird was diagnosed with motor neurone disease, leaving a man whose voice was so synonymous with his career facing losing it completely. Yet knowing he had just a short time left with family and friends, what emerged was a great sense of resilience and motivation to take advantage of every moment. 

“In Time and Tide, Charlie views his life and phenomenal broadcast career through the lens of his diagnosis, as he ponders the big questions and takes stock of the small moments that we so often overlook. This will be an unforgettable reflection of Charlie Bird’s incredible career, life and legacy,” the publisher said.  

Bird commented: “Writing Time and Tide with the support of my close friend Ray Burke and reflecting on the things I have achieved before and since my motor neurone disease diagnosis has been a rewarding and emotional experience. I have been blown away by the support I have received from both strangers and friends alike, and I hope that this book helps others who find themselves on a similar journey.” 

Gough added: “When Charlie announced his MND diagnosis, it had an unprecedented impact – the outpouring of public support is testament to the admiration Ireland has for Charlie, and his impressive and longstanding broadcast career. Since then, Charlie has worked tirelessly to help others, and I am incredibly proud to be working with him to publish such an important and poignant memoir. I hope it will be a fitting legacy for a man who has captured the hearts and minds of a nation.”