From high kicks to creamy licks, Flatley joins in the fun

From high kicks to creamy licks, Michael Flatley opened his lavish north Cork home yesterday for an ice cream party with a worthy twist.

Members of the Cork branch of Down Syndrome Ireland were among the lucky few to share in the Ice Cream Funday celebration at the Riverdance star’s stunning home at Castlehyde.

Guests were welcomed to the plush 18th century estate outside Fermoy, which boasts views over the River Blackwater, shortly before 5pm yesterday.

The ice cream party is just one of 1,500 registered to take place all over Ireland this month to raise funds for Down Syndrome Ireland.

“It’s a magnificent property in a stunning location, but above all else we are delighted to have someone as high-profile as Michael on board,” said DSI chief executive Pat Clarke. “This was one of the most anticipated events on the ice cream party calendar.”

Buying the near-derelict estate for €3m in 2000, the dancer has spent upwards of €27m restoring the property and a further €20m fitting it out with a games room, music room, bar, and a three-storey library.

Chicago-born Flatley delighted his guests as host, posing for pictures and signing autographs.

DSI hopes to raise as much as €300,000 from the nationwide ice cream campaign, which continues this month, supported by HB Hazelbrook Farm and Tesco Stores.

Some 2,200 parties took place last year raising €250,000 for the charity.

DSI funds early childhood programmes, adult literacy, counselling and advocacy and educational advice, and research for parents and children.

Flatley joins Hollywood star Pierce Brosnan as one of the DSI’s most high-profile supporters.

“Pierce has been with us for more than a decade, supporting in some form or other,” said Mr Clarke. “This year he recorded the voice-over for our ice cream party ad campaign from the west coast of the USA.

“We have a long-standing relationship with him and we hope to build a similarly fruitful relationship with Michael Flatley. We are very thankful for this, his first involvement with DSI.”

The Ice Cream Fundays campaign has helped net more than €2m for Down Syndrome Ireland over the past 10 years.

The organisation represents more than 3,000 member families across 25 branches nationwide, and is the largest organisation concerned with the welfare of people with a learning disability in Ireland.