Irish dancing star Michael Flatley has thanked the community of Fermoy for their public support following the death of his wife, acclaimed performer Niamh Flatley, who passed away at the age of 52 at the Beacon Hospital in Dublin after a long-standing lung condition deteriorated over the past year.
Castlehyde Flag Flies at Half-Mast in Memory of Niamh Flatley
In a social media statement released on Thursday evening, Michael Flatley shared that the flag at the family’s Castlehyde estate in County Cork was lowered to half-mast to honor his late wife. He expressed gratitude for the floral tributes left at the estate gates by local residents. “Today the flag flies at half-mast at Castlehyde in memory of our beloved Niamh,” he wrote in the message, which was co-signed by the couple’s son, Michael St James Flatley. “We are deeply touched by the kindness and compassion shown by the people of Fermoy.” The couple married at St Patrick’s Church in Fermoy in September 2006, four months after beginning their relationship. Your beautiful gestures of sympathy and support mean more to our family than words can express,
the statement added.
Funeral Arrangements and Tributes Across the Irish Dance Community
Niamh Flatley, widely known professionally as Niamh O’Brien, began her career as a competitive dancer and placed fourth in the world championships at age 17 before playing the lead role of Saoirse in Lord of the Dance. She also performed in Riverdance, Celtic Tiger, and Feet of Flames. A public repose is scheduled for Friday from 4 pm to 7 pm at Ryan’s Funeral Home in Ashbourne, County Meath. Her funeral Mass will take place on Saturday at 11 am at the Church of St Thérèse in Mount Merrion, Dublin, followed by a private family burial. Tributes poured in from across the community, with a post on the official Riverdance Facebook page stating, Her contribution to Riverdance and the Irish dance community will never be forgotten,
and adding, Our heartfelt condolences, thoughts and prayers are with Michael, Michael St James, Monica, Tommy, Derval, Aoibheann, and all of the O’Brien and Flatley families.
Contrasting Reports Highlight Unfulfilled Vow Renewal Plans
The couple had been preparing to celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary this month with a special vow renewal ceremony. Michael Flatley had spoken publicly earlier this year about planning the milestone event to follow their 2006 wedding. The dancer also previously credited his wife with providing vital emotional support during his recovery following a cancer diagnosis in 2023. Announcing her death, Michael Flatley wrote on Instagram on Monday evening, My heart is broken. I have lost my beautiful wife, Niamh, and my best friend,
adding, My gorgeous bride of twenty years has gone to the Lord in Heaven.
He also noted, We have a wonderful son.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Services
Where will Niamh Flatley lie in repose?
She will repose at Ryan’s Funeral Home in Ashbourne, County Meath, on Friday, with viewing scheduled from 4 pm to 7 pm.
When and where is the funeral Mass taking place?
The funeral Mass is scheduled for Saturday at 11 am at the Church of St Thérèse in Mount Merrion, Dublin, with a live stream available for those unable to attend in person.
Where will the burial be held?
Following the funeral Mass in Dublin, a private family burial will be conducted.
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