Funeral arrangements for Lord of the Dance performer Niamh Flatley have been announced, following her death earlier this week. The 52-year-old mum-of-one was married to Irish dancing star Michael Flatley. She will lie in repose in her native Co Meath on Friday evening, before her funeral Mass takes place in Dublin on Saturday.
Death and illness
Niamh died peacefully "surrounded by her loving family" at the Beacon Hospital in south Dublin on Monday, October 5, reports the Irish Mirror. Niamh suffered from a long-standing lung condition which deteriorated in the last year. She was due to fly to the United States to receive a lung transplant but died before it could be carried out.
Funeral arrangements
She will lie in repose at Ryan’s Funeral Home in Ashbourne in her native Co Meath on Friday from 4pm to 7pm. Requiem Mass will take place on Saturday at 11am, October 10 at the Church of St Therese, Mount Merrion. The service will be live-streamed for mourners who are unable to attend Niamh’s funeral Mass. A private family burial will take place afterwards.
Niamh’s 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."
Tributes and condolences
Meanwhile, tributes continue to be paid to Niamh with mourners expressing their sympathies to her husband Michael, son Michael St. James and her extended family. One mourner wrote: "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 mourner 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."
Another wrote: "She had a wonderful life dancing for the world. Let’s hope she’ll do evening entertainment in heaven with her wonderful dancing for all the angels. May she rest in peace the Earth as lost a talented angel, but heaven has got one. RIP," while another wrote: "Sending deepest condolences to Michael, Michael St James, Niamh’s parents, sisters and extended family. May Niamh rest in peace and shine as the brightest star in the night sky as she did here amongst you all, Niamh danced through the clouds and up the steps straight into the arms of God. May the Lady of the Dance rest in eternal and everlasting peace."
Earlier, 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."
Earlier, on announcing his wife’s passing, 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."
