Tuesday, October 6, 2026 - Niamh O’Brien, the Irish dancer and wife of Michael Flatley, has died at the age of 52 following a period of illness. O’Brien died at Beacon Hospital in Dublin, according to a statement from the family.
Flatley announced her death on October 5, saying he was “heartbroken” and had lost both his wife and best friend.
O’Brien was an accomplished dancer who performed alongside Flatley in productions including Riverdance and Lord of the Dance.
The couple married in 2006 and had one son, Michael St James, born in 2007. The family has asked for privacy while mourning her death and thanked the medical staff who cared for her in recent weeks.
The news has prompted an outpouring of sympathy for Flatley and his family as fans remember O’Brien’s contribution to Irish dance. Flatley has asked supporters to keep Niamh, their son and the wider family in their thoughts and prayers.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced later, while the family continues to grieve the loss of a dancer, wife and mother.
0 Comments