Michael Flatley lays wife Niamh O'Brien to rest

Michael Flatley and his son, Michael St. James, attended the funeral mass for Niamh O'Brien at the Church of St. Thérèse in Mount Merrion. O'Brien, a professional dancer who performed in shows such as ‘Riverdance’ and ‘Lord of the Dance’, passed away at the age of 52 at Beacon Hospital following a period of illness.

During the service, Flatley delivered a eulogy describing the profound pain of his loss. He noted that while he had experienced grief before, he had ‘never felt pain like this’ in his life. The ceremony included offerings such as dancing shoes to honor her talent and creativity.

Flatley and O'Brien married in October 2006 in Fermoy, Co. Cork, and were approaching their 20th wedding anniversary. The couple had one son, born in 2007.