# Death of Irish dancer Niamh O'Brien

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/death-of-irish-dancer-niamh-obrien
> Updated: 2026-10-10T11:33:55.000Z. Sources: 21. Developments: 3.

Niamh O’Brien, a prominent Irish dancer and wife of performer Michael Flatley, died at the age of 52 at Beacon Hospital in Dublin following an illness. Flatley, known for productions such as ‘Riverdance’ and ‘Lord of the Dance’, shared that his ‘heart is broken’ and described O’Brien as his ‘beautiful wife’ and ‘best friend’. 

O’Brien had a significant career in Irish dance, including lead roles in several major productions. Following her passing, funeral arrangements were announced, including a period of repose in Ashbourne and a funeral mass at the Church of St. Thérèse in Mount Merrion, Dublin, followed by a private family burial.

Michael Flatley and their son, Michael St. James, attended the funeral mass at the Church of St. Thérèse. During the service, Flatley delivered a eulogy expressing the depth of his grief, stating that while he had experienced loss before, he had ‘never felt pain like this’ in his life. The ceremony included tributes to her talent and creativity, such as offerings of dancing shoes. 

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.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-10: Michael Flatley lays wife Niamh O'Brien to rest

Dancer Michael Flatley and his son held a funeral mass for his wife, Niamh O'Brien, who passed away at age 52 following an illness.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/michael-flatley-lays-wife-niamh-obrien-to-rest

### 2026-10-07: Niamh Flatley funeral details announced following passing

Funeral arrangements have been set for Niamh Flatley, wife of Irish dance star Michael Flatley, who passed away on October 5. The service will be held in Dublin on October 10.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/niamh-flatley-funeral-details-announced-following-passing

### 2026-10-05: Niamh O'Brien, wife of Michael Flatley, dies at 52

Irish dancer Niamh O'Brien, wife of ‘Lord of the Dance’ star Michael Flatley, has died at age 52 following an illness in Dublin.

18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/michael-flatley-announces-death-of-wife-niamh-obrien

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Cite as: Death of Irish dancer Niamh O'Brien. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/death-of-irish-dancer-niamh-obrien