Michael Flatley announced that his wife, Niamh O’Brien, has died aged 52 after a period of illness. In his tribute, he said he had lost “my beautiful wife, Niamh, and my best friend,” and asked for privacy for the families.
Flatley said O’Brien died peacefully at Beacon Hospital in south Dublin. He also said she was the most loving mother, wife and person, and referred to her as his bride of twenty years.
Michael St James and the family
The couple’s son, Michael St James, is part of the family now dealing with the loss. Flatley’s message asked people to keep Niamh, Michael St James, and the family in their thoughts and prayers.
O’Brien was remembered not only as Flatley’s wife but as a dancer who rose through the sport early. She finished fourth in the world championships at 17 and later performed in Riverdance, Lord of the Dance, Feet of Flames and Celtic Tiger.
Niamh O’Brien and Fermoy
Flatley and O’Brien married in October 2006 in a church in Fermoy, Co Cork. They welcomed their only child in 2007, and her death closes the story of a family life that had been built around performance, marriage and parenthood.
The family said they were devastated by her sudden passing, while the representative said she died after a period of illness. That gap leaves one clear point unresolved: what illness led to her death.
