Funeral arrangements for Niamh Flatley, the 52-year-old Riverdance star married to Michael Flatley, have been confirmed. She will lie in repose in her native Co Meath on Friday, followed by a funeral Mass in Dublin on Saturday.
Niamh died peacefully "surrounded by her loving family" at the Beacon Hospital in south Dublin on Monday, October 5, reports the Irish Mirror. She had a long-standing lung condition that deteriorated in the last year and was due to fly to the United States for a lung transplant, but died before it could be carried out.
Repose and Funeral Mass Details
Niamh will lie in repose at Ryan’s Funeral Home in Ashbourne, Co Meath, on Friday from 4pm to 7pm. Requiem Mass will take place on Saturday, October 10, at 11am at the Church of St Therese, Mount Merrion.
The service will be live-streamed for mourners unable to attend. A private family burial will follow.
Tributes and Family Statement
Her death notice on RIP.ie reads: "Niamh will be hugely missed by her heartbroken husband Michael and son Michael St. James, her mam and dad, Monica and Tommy, sisters Derval and Aoibheann, niece Dempsey Rose, nephews Dillon, Lochlann, Lennon and all her Flatley nieces and nephews, brothers-in-law Jay and Pat, sisters-in-law Annie, Liza, Thoma and their spouses, extended family and her many wonderful friends from school, college and the dancing world."
Mourners have left tributes, with one writing: "Our heartfelt condolences to Micheal, Michael junior, the Flatley and O'Brien family. And to all who loved Niamh, such a beautiful and elegant Lady. Taken so soon. Thinking of you all. May God give them strength to get through this. May she rest in peace."
Another wrote: "Sincere condolences to Michael, her beautiful son Michael st, and extended family and friends. Rest in perfect peace Niamh. Shine bright in heaven as you did on earth. May God give ye the strength to continue living and cherish the fond memories of a beautiful lady. Thinking of everyone at this difficult sad time. Dance with angels Niamh."
Riverdance and Michael Flatley's Words
A post on the official Riverdance page said: "We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Niamh Flatley. An original member of Riverdance, Niamh was part of our story from the very beginning at Eurovision. Her contribution to Riverdance and the Irish dance community will never be forgotten. 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. May Niamh’s beautiful soul rest in peace."
Michael Flatley said in a statement: "My heart is broken. I have lost my beautiful wife, Niamh and my best friend. My gorgeous bride of 20 years has gone to the Lord in Heaven. She was the most loving mother, wife and person, and our lives will never be the same without her. Thank you for all the love and kindness you have shown us. Please keep Niamh, Michael St James and our family in your thoughts and prayers."
