Michael Flatley has spoken out after confirming the death of his wife Niamh O'Brien, thanking the public for their support. The Riverdance star announced the loss of his longtime partner on Monday, saying he was "heartbroken."
Anniversary and family
The couple were weeks away from their 20th wedding anniversary and have a son, Michael St James. Niamh will be laid to rest on Saturday, with a service in Dublin followed by a private interment.
Speaking before her wake on Friday, Michael issued a statement expressing his gratitude for the kindness shown to his family. He wrote: "We are deeply touched by the kindness and compassion shown by the people of Fermoy. To those who have taken the time to leave flowers at the gates of Castlehyde, thank you from the bottom of our hearts."
Tribute at Castlehyde
He added: "Your beautiful gestures of sympathy and support mean more to our family than words can express." He also shared an image of Castlehyde, saying he and his son had lowered the flag there "in memory of our beloved Niamh."
Michael and Niamh married on October 14 2006 in Fermoy, Cork, after knowing each other for only a few months. Their son was born in 2007.
Plans for the 20th anniversary
In a 2025 interview with RSVP Magazine, Michael had hinted at special plans for their anniversary: "On our 10th anniversary we renewed our vows in Westminster Cathedral, because at the time my son was going to Westminster Cathedral Choir School. I have something very special planned for the 20th to renew our vows. I shouldn't have just said that, my wife is going to know all about this! But I won't say what it is and I won't tell her. I'm the luckiest guy in the world."
