Charlie Bird on swapping the headlines for a young cockapoo

He decided to take early retirement five years ago following 38 years as Ireland’s most prolific newsman. But Charlie Bird has not taken up any new hobby, or — perish the thought — golf.

“I will never! The idea of golf! The only activity I have taken up, and he’s here behind me at the moment, is my dog Tiger.”

The young cockapoo arrived into the Bird household following some gentle persuasion from his new wife, Claire Mould, who he married in a humanist ceremony in Dublin 18 months ago.