'My heart is broken': Michael Flatley's wife Niamh Flatley has died aged 52
Niamh Flatley with husband Michael Flatley and son Michael St James arrive at the premiere screening of Michael Flatley's film 'Blackbird' in 2022. Picture: Brian McEvoy
Niamh Flatley, an acclaimed dancer and wife of Riverdance star Michael Flatley, has died at the age of 52.
"My heart is broken. I have lost my beautiful wife, Niamh, and my best friend," Mr Flatley wrote on social media.
"My gorgeous bride of twenty years has gone to the Lord in Heaven. She was the most loving mother, wife and person, and our lives will never be the same without her.
"Thank you for all the love and kindness you have shown us. Please keep Niamh, Michael St James, and out family in your thoughts and prayers."
The couple had been married for 20 years, having tied the knot in 2006.
Niamh O’Brien was a member of Mr Flatley’s Lord of The Dance production company. The couple began dating in June 2006 and married four months later. They married at St. Patrick's Church in Fermoy, County Cork.
The couple had one child together, Michael St James, who was born in 2007.
"The Flatley and O’Brien families are devastated by Niamh’s sudden passing and have asked that their privacy be respected as they come to terms with this heartbreaking loss," a statement said.
"They express their sincere gratitude to the doctors, nurses and staff at Beacon Hospital who cared for Niamh over the past few weeks, and to everyone who has offered their kindness and support to the family."
Speaking to lifestyle outlet RSVP earlier in 2026, Mr Flatley said he had “special” plans for the couple's 20th anniversary.
“I have something very special planned for the 20th to renew our vows. I shouldn't have just said that, my wife is going to know all about this! But I won't say what it is and I won't tell her. I'm the luckiest guy in the world,” he said.
"Marry the right person. I'm very blessed, I'm in love with my wife, who's in love with me. We have a wonderful son. I don't remember us ever having a bad word.”
An official statement issued later said: "The Flatley and O’Brien families are devastated by Niamh’s sudden passing and have asked that their privacy be respected as they come to terms with this heartbreaking loss.
"They express their sincere gratitude to the doctors, nurses and staff at Beacon Hospital who cared for Niamh over the past few weeks, and to everyone who has offered their kindness and support to the family."
Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course, it added.
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