Niamh O’Brien, the wide of Lord of the Dance Michael Flately, died peacefully aged 52 this month, at the Beacon Hospital in Dublin, leaving the star heartbroken
Michael Flately‘s wife, Niamh O’Brien, has died at the age of 52, with the final public photo of the couple showing their sweet bond. Just months before she died in Dublin, Niamh, her husband and their son, Michael St James, were pictured on a family holiday where they met Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican.
Niamh, clad in a black dress, black blazer and black lace veil, gazed at the Pope, whose hand was being grasped by her husband. Like his wife, Michael, 68, was dressed formally, wearing a suit and grey tie. Their son stood to Niamh’s right and wore a smart black shirt.
Michael shared: “It was an incredible honour to meet His Holiness. I am so moved. I didn’t think I’d ever have that opportunity.”
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He added that meeting the Pope was the “greatest day” of his life as he got his treasured rosary beads blessed.
Growing up, Michael went to Mass every Sunday with his Irish Catholic parents in Chicago, the same city the current Pope is from, and the dancer credited Jesus Christ with giving him “every opportunity to become a great dancer”. He invited the Pope to visit Ireland.
The picture of the family at the Vatican has resurfaced after Michael took to Instagram to reveal that his beloved wife had died. The pair had met whilst Niamh danced in one of his shows, taking on the role of Saoirse in Lord of the Dance. In 2006, they started dating and later married in Fermoy, Ireland. Their son was born a year later.
Michael wrote on Instagram: “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. 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. Michael.”
His words accompanied a picture of the couple on their wedding day, as well as another picture of them with their son. A representative for the family said in a statement: “The Flatley and O’Brien families are devastated by Niamhâs 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.” They added that details surrounding Niamh’s funeral would be shared in due course.
In recent years, Niamh had been battling ill health, with Michael reportedly spending “every waking hour,” to care for Niamh. Despite being unwell, Niamh continued her work as part of Michael’s touring productions, working alongside costume designers, service providers and dancers.
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