Michael Flatley today (Oct.10) laid his wife, Niamh O’Brien, to rest following the heartbreaking news of her sudden death.
The dancer tragically revealed Niamh’s death on Monday, explaining that she had passed away aged 52 following a period of illness.
The couple were due to celebrate their 20th anniversary this month, with the Riverdance star revealing that he had been planning a vow renewal ceremony.
MEETING ON THE STAGE
Born in Kilbride, Co. Meath, Niamh was a talented dancer from early childhood, finishing fourth in world championships at just 17 years old.
She then turned professional, dancing in the likes of Riverdance, Lord of the Dance and Celtic Tiger, the hit shows that made Flatley a household name.
Following years of friendship, it was one New Year’s Eve that Flatley realised he was in love with his fellow dancer, according to his 2007 biography.
Niamh O'Brien and Michael Flatley. (RollingNews.ie)
LAVISH 2006 WEDDING
He would write that the love of his life had been on stage with him all along and that, as perfect dance partners, he knew they could be perfect partners in life.
The couple would tie the knot in October 2006 in a lavish ceremony in Fermoy, Co. Cork. The bride arrived in a stunning Rolls-Royce Phantom bought specially by the groom.
The wedding ceremony attracted a host of A-listers at the time, even seeing a former Taoiseach in attendance.
The happily married couple would expand their family just a year later with their son, Michael St James, who was born in 2007.
CLOSE BOND WITH SON
Flatley has previously opened up on the close bond he shares with his son, telling RSVP Magazine that he was ‘blessed to have him’.
‘I like to think that he’s fond of me, but you’d have to ask him that. I’m crazy about him and we can’t stop hugging each other. We love going to rugby games together; we get along pretty great,’ he said.
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Speaking on his parenting process, Flatley explained: ‘Rather than me teaching him about the way I lived my life, I’ve made a habit of letting Michael find his own way. I like to hear his ideas; I never would have thought of some of the things he comes up with.
‘As elders, we need to question if we got it all right and if we did things perfectly. I don’t believe we did. We need to be open-minded and we need to listen to the younger people.’
2022 CANCER DIAGNOSIS
The family would deal with major difficulties in 2022 when the iconic dancer was sadly diagnosed with cancer. Flatley claimed it was Niamh who held him together, explaining that her hugs made everything seem better.
Just last year, he claimed to not be able to remember ever fighting with his spouse, stressing that out of everything he got from his career, Niamh was the most cherished.
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HEARTBROKEN BY NIAMH’S DEATH
It is understood that Niamh had a long-standing lung condition which gradually worsened over the last year. Tragically, she was due to fly to the US for surgery but passed before this was possible.
Speaking on his wife’s death, Flatley said: ‘My heart is broken. I have lost my beautiful wife, Niamh, and my best friend.’ He would later fly flags at half-mast at Castlehyde.
He said: ‘Today the flag flies at half-mast at Castlehyde in memory of our beloved Niamh. We are deeply touched by the kindness and compassion shown by the people of Fermoy.
* This article was originally published on Extra.ie.
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