Irish dancer Niamh O'Brien dies aged 52

Irish dancer Niamh O'Brien has died at the age of 52, as reported by The Irish Times, The Journal, and RTE. Her husband, Riverdance star Michael Flatley, announced her death in a statement on social media on October 5, 2026. The Irish Times and LMFM noted that O'Brien was a native of County Meath. [1][2][3][6]

Michael Flatley paid tribute to his wife, stating that his heart was broken and that he had lost his beautiful wife and best friend. The Journal and RTE reported his statement, in which he described O'Brien as his gorgeous bride of 20 years and the most loving mother, wife, and person. He also asked the public to keep O'Brien, their son Michael St James, and their family in their thoughts and prayers. [2][3]

Niamh O'Brien was a lead performer in the Irish dance show Lord of the Dance, according to RTE. As FTMQ News reported earlier, she had been married to Flatley for 20 years. Michael Flatley is credited with reinventing traditional Irish dance, having co-created Riverdance and later launching Lord of the Dance in 1996. [3][7][8][9]