Niamh O'Brien, wife of Michael Flatley, dies at 52 as Riverdance star shares 'heartbreak'

Michael Flatley has announced the death of his beloved wife, the dancer Niamh O’Brien, saying his "heart is broken".

O’Brien died peacefully at the Beacon Hospital in Dublin “following a period of illness”, a representative said.

The 68-year-old choreographer, who is best known for creating the Riverdance Irish dancing troupe, remembered his "beautiful wife" and "best friend" in a message shared on social media on Monday evening.

The couple, who was married for 20 years, previously performed together in Lord Of The Dance, the Irish dance production set up by Flatley.

In a post shared on Instagram, he wrote: "My heart is broken. I have lost my beautiful wife, Niamh, and my best friend. "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.”

Michael Flatley’s wife Niamh O'Brien has died aged 52 (pictured in 2018)

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Flatley - who battled cancer in 2023 - went on: "Thank you for all the love and kindness you have shown us. Please keep Niamh, Michael St James, and our family in your thoughts and prayers."

Alongside the tribute, Flatley also shared a carousel of photographs including one of his wife dancing, a wedding photo and a photo with their son, Michael St James, who was born in 2007.

Flatley’s sister Thomasina Griffin added: “The most devastating day! The sweetest kindest sister in law anyone could ever ask for. Michael we all love you and are here for you and Michael St James. May she RIP.”

The family’s representative 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.”

Flatley, who was born into a blue-collar Irish-American family in Chicago, rose to fame when Riverdance performed during a seven-minute interval at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1994.

A year later, he had a full-length show in Dublin and followed this up with his own stage show, Lord Of The Dance.

He has also created, produced and directed other productions including Feet Of Flames and Celtic Tiger before expanding into film, directing and starring in the 2018 spy thriller Blackbird.

In the movie, which also stars Eric Roberts, Patrick Bergin and Ian Beattie, Flatley plays former MI6 operative Victor Blackley, who is drawn back into the world of espionage he had left behind.