Veteran journalist Charlie Bird has said that he will use his voice bank "for the first time in public" when he attends a candle lit vigil on Sunday in memory of the 48 lives lost in the Stardust fire.
The former RTE reporter was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in October.
Charlie touched the hearts of the nation when he appeared on the Late Late Show last year and said he "cries everyday".
Charlie was one of the first journalists on the scene and will address tomorrow's vigil to mark 41 years since the devastating Stardust nightclub fire.
Taking to social media on Friday, Charlie told his followers: "My voice is getting weaker each day. So it is difficult for some people to understand me.
"This Sunday I have been invited by the Stardust relatives to say a few words to mark the 41st anniversary of that awful night.
"So for the first time I'm going to use my voice bank in public."
His health update was met with encouraging and supportive messages from his followers, including his good friend Vicky Phelan.
She tweeted: "Charlie, your presence alone is what matters you are Charlie Bird, voice or no voice."
Charlie was one of the first journalists at the scene of the fatal Stardust fire, which took place in Artane in the early hours of Valentine's Day in 1981, claiming 48 lives and leaving hundreds injured.
The annual mass is planned for tomorrow morning at 11.30am in St Joseph’s the Artisan Church in Coolock, for the 48 people who passed away.
A wreath-laying ceremony at the Stardust Memorial Park will follow the mass, before the vigil moves to the site of the former Stardust nightclub on the Kilmore Road in Artane.
Christy Moore, who wrote 'They Never Came Home' for the victims, is set to perform the song at the vigil.
It comes as earlier this week a new venue was finally selected for the long-awaited inquest into the Stardust tragedy, with hearings to take place in the Rotunda Hospital.
To get the latest breaking news straight to your inbox, sign up for our free newsletter.
