Michael Flatley quiet on Áras bid during surprise Wexford Fleadh visit and performance
Michael Flatley gave nothing away about his rumoured bid for the Áras when he arrived in Wexford on Saturday for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.
Dressed in blue jeans, a white T-shirt and runners, topped with a navy jacket, he posed with gardaí, fans, musicians, and locals near the Talbot Hotel after arriving just after 1pm.
The Lord of the Dance is expected to announce he will enter the presidential race, but remained tight-lipped when asked by reporters, simply smiling in response.
Sources told the last month he is considering running but has yet to make an official statement.
Instead, he surprised the crowds with an impromptu musical performance on Wexford’s Quayfront at the Main Gig Rig.
The dancer proved he is also a skilled flute player, performing a reel as the crowd clapped along.
He posed with members of the local force, including Garda Catty Burke and Sergeant Seamus Muldowney, as well as local Labour TD and former Lord Mayor George Lawlor.
His sister Annie, to whom he is close, also attended to support him.
Mr Lawlor, PRO for the Fleadh, said the famous Irish dancer has a long history with Wexford, so it was no surprise to see him there.
“His son attended an Irish school here last year and he also came to the Fleadh then too” he said.
“He has been a Comhaltas all his life since his early days learning the flute and Irish dancing in Chicago.
“He is a huge fan of Wexford, and very supportive of the town. The crowds were delighted to see him, he walked around and spoke to everyone, he didn’t refuse a selfie and spoke to the young musicians.
“We were delighted to see a man of such standing and tradition attending the fleadh and he received a very warm reception, with everyone coming to say hello – he never turned anyone away.
“He went onto the gig rig and tens of thousands where there as he played the flute for them”.
Michael Flatley was not the only famous face to make a surprise visit to the festival. Ed Sheeran’s management made the owners of The Sky & Ground pub swear to keep his performance a secret ahead of his unannounced gig on Tuesday night.
The word quickly spread that the singer was in the traditional pub, and dozens flocked to catch a glimpse.
The festival, which began on August 3, will finish tomorrow, August 10. This is the second year the town has hosted the event.
“This has been a wonderful success for the second year in a row we have broken attendance records, and it has been so well organised. We are delighted with the success” continued Mr Lawlor.
“By Sunday evening more than 700,000 people will have attended the event before we hand it over to Belfast who will host the Fleadh for the next two years.
“Up to 150,000 were in attendance in the town on Saturday alone, and there has been a constant stream of fans all week.”
On Saturday, there was no sign of the crowds easing. There was at least a 30-minute traffic delay approaching Wexford, with Park & Ride facilities set up outside the town.
Most service stations within a 20km radius had closed their public toilets as crowds tried to leave cars wherever possible and walk to the event.
Festivalgoers coped with soaring temperatures of 22C, wearing shorts and T-shirts, with some even brave enough to wear swimsuits while enjoying the colourful event.
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