Latest news with #Riverdance
The Guardian
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Riverdance star Michael Flatley to seek Irish presidency nomination
After finding fame and fortune in Riverdance and other stage shows, Michael Flatley is to seek a new role: president of Ireland. The Irish American dancer and impresario planned to move back from Monaco to Ireland and would seek nomination in the upcoming election, a Dublin court heard on Friday. An affidavit submitted during a high court case in relation to a legal dispute over renovations at Flatley's mansion said the 67-year-old was 'to seek nominations to run for president of Ireland'. An election for the largely ceremonial post must take place in the 60 days before 11 November, when Michael D Higgins steps down after two terms, totalling 14 years. Flatley signalled a potential run in an RTÉ interview last week when he said Irish people were not 'happy right now' and lacked 'a true proper deep voice that speaks their language'. His barrister, Ronnie Hudson, confirmed that intention when he notified the court of a 'material change in circumstances' and said Flatley, who is an Irish citizen, would move back to Ireland within 14 days to seek a nomination. The affidavit emerged during the choreographer's ongoing legal action over renovation work at Castlehyde, his 18th-century estate near Fermoy, in County Cork. To be eligible to run for president, a candidate must be an Irish citizen and aged 35 or older. To get on the ballot, a candidate must be nominated either by at least 20 members of parliament or at least four local authorities. It is unclear if the Lord of the Dance star can muster such support. In April, the former mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor complained that the nomination rules could block his stated ambition to run. Two candidates have so far secured enough support to enter the race: Mairead McGuiness, a former journalist and EU commissioner, is the Fine Gael party nominee. Small leftwing parties have backed Catherine Connolly, a political independent and former mayor of Galway. The Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin parties have yet to nominate candidates. Sign up to Headlines Europe A digest of the morning's main headlines from the Europe edition emailed direct to you every week day after newsletter promotion The Independent Ireland grouping, which has four parliamentary seats, said it was open to talking to Flatley and other possible candidates as long as they had a 'realistic chance' of mustering 16 other votes. Flatley has remained in the public eye since retiring as a dancer. Critics derided his 2022 spy thriller film, Backbird, as a vanity project. In 2023, he announced plans for a 'no holds barred' biopic series, titled Dancelord, that promised to show the 'epic sweep' of a life that has reached 'a plane beyond mere rock stardom'.
Extra.ie
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Inside Michael Flatley's family life with wife and son
Lord of the Dance phenomenon Michael Flatley has surprised the nation by seeking a nomination to become Ireland's next president. The Riverdance star is to move back to Ireland within the next two weeks after a 'material change in circumstances' that has led him to look to run in the presidential election later this year, according to his barrister. The 67-year-old is eligible to run as an Irish citizen, and an affidavit, signed by his solicitor Maxwell Mooney, was submitted to the High Court on Friday stating that the Irish-American is 'to seek nominations to run for president of Ireland'. Michael Flatley with his wife Niamh. Pic: David M. Benett/for Audi UK Michael had strongly hinted at the idea before, stating during a radio interview that he did not believe the Irish people 'have a voice – not a true proper deep voice that speaks their language'. While he is known around the world for his choreography, there is not much to tell about how he would get on in the political scene. In the meantime, has taken a look into Michael's family life and his history away from dancing. Michael was born in the US in 1958 to Irish parents. His father was a plumber from Sligo and his mother was a talented dancer from Carlow. Irish dancing runs in Michael's blood, with his grandmother also being a champion dancer. Michael was the second-born of five children and when he was two months old, the family moved from Detroit to Chicago. Chicago was where he began his dance lessons and at age 17, Michael became the first American to win a World Irish Dance title at Oireachtas Rince na Cruinne. Michael's breakthrough came with Riverdance. Pic: David Fisher/REX/Shutterstock It was the same year he won the All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil concert flute competition, which he claimed again the following year. Michael also has a history of boxing, winning the middleweight division of the Chicago Golden Gloves Boxing Championship and recording five knock-out victories in the 1970s. He reportedly flirted with the idea of becoming a professional boxer before committing himself to a career in dance. Michael was originally married to Polish hairdresser artist Beata Dziaba for 11 years after they met while he was dancing in London with The Chieftains in 1985. The couple separated in 1997 after Michael revealed he had an affair with another dancer Kelley Byrne, who was 19 at the time. Michael also got engaged to Lisa Murphy in the early 2000s, with the couple having an on-and-off relationship until 2006. Michael Flatley with Lisa Murphy in the early 2000s. Pic: Unicorn Entertainment/WireImage He is now married to Niamh O'Brien and has been for the last 19 years. Niamh is a fellow dancer, and the pair met while she was performing in many of his shows. Sources close to the couple said that there was an 'immediate attraction' between them. Michael and Niamh got engaged in 2006 – not long after he split with Lisa – and tied the knot a month later with a ceremony held at St Patrick's Church in Fermoy, Co Cork. Michael was 47 at the time and Niamh was 32. Michael Flatley with his wife Niamh and son Michael St James at the launch of Flatley Whiskey at The Round Room at Mansion House. Pic: Brian McEvoy The couple welcomed their son Michael Saint James just a year after getting married. He is their only child. Michael Jr hasn't quite followed his dad into the dancing world but still possesses a lot of creative qualities. Michael previously remarked: 'He's a very academic young man. He's also a flautist. He plays the electric guitar. He's an actor and a director. He's very creative.' In 2003, Michael was diagnosed with a form of skin cancer after an MTV viewer pointed out a brown spot on the side of his face that he himself had not noticed. Two years ago, Michael revealed that he was once again undergoing treatment for an 'aggressive' form of cancer. Michael Flatley went through cancer treatment two years ago. Pic: David Fisher/REX/Shutterstock A statement read: 'Dear Friends, we have something personal to share, Michael Flatley has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. He has undergone surgery and is in the care of an excellent team of doctors. 'No former comments will be made at this time. We ask only for your prayers and well wishes. Thank you.' The following week, Michael shared a positive update about his condition. He wrote: 'Thank you to everyone around the world for your love and prayers. I am overwhelmed by your kindness. I have been released from hospital and am on the mend.' Michael's breakthrough came in 1994 during the Eurovision Song Contest in Dublin, where he co-created and starred in Riverdance, a brief but electrifying performance that captivated millions. His innovative choreography, which combined traditional Irish dancing with a dynamic stage presence and theatrical flair, set a new standard for the genre. However, creative disagreements led him to part ways with the production later that year. In 1996, he launched Lord of the Dance, a full-length stage show that further showcased his talents not only as a performer but also as a choreographer. The show was a massive success, touring globally and drawing record-breaking crowds. Its scale and spectacle were expanded further with Feet of Flames in 1998. Michael changed the game in Irish dancing. Pic: Greg Williams/REX/Shutterstock In 2005, he debuted Celtic Tiger Live, an ambitious production exploring different themes surrounding Irish identity and history. Michael is widely credited with modernising and globalising Irish dancing, introducing it to new audiences and inspiring a new generation of dancers. Throughout his career, Michael battled various health challenges, including a serious viral infection and injuries from decades of high-impact dancing, which eventually led to multiple retirements from the stage. Despite stepping back from performing, he remained actively involved in the creative direction of his shows and pursued interests in music, painting, and philanthropy.
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Riverdance star Michael Flatley to make bid for Irish presidency, court hears
Riverdance star Michael Flatley is hoping to become Ireland's next president, a court has heard. The revelation came out in a legal case over work done on his mansion in County Cork, the Castlehyde. Barrister Ronnie Hudson said there had been a "material change in circumstances" for Flatley and he's set to move back to Ireland in the next two weeks in the hope of running in autumn's election. A legal statement signed by the star's solicitor, Maxwell Mooney, was also submitted to the High Court stating Flatley would "seek nominations to run for president of Ireland". Flatley rose to fame when Riverdance, which features traditional Irish music and dance, became a phenomenon in the 1990s and went on to tour the world. It continues to be performed today. The choreographer and dancer also created and starred in Lord Of The Dance. The 67-year-old - who currently lives in Monaco - strongly hinted at a presidential bid last week, but said he hadn't made a final decision. He told a radio interview he didn't think the Irish people had a "true proper deep voice that speaks their language". Flatley said the "average person on the street" is unhappy with the status quo and "somebody has to speak for the Irish people". Read more from Sky News: The role of president in is largely ceremonial and is currently held by Michael D Higgins, whose term ends on 11 November. The election is expected to take place at the end of October. A candidate needs nominations from at least 20 members of the Irish parliament or at least four local authorities. Those who've already met the criteria are former farming journalist and EU commissioner Mairead McGuinness, and former Galway mayor Catherine Connolly. Former MMA fighter Conor McGregor is among others who have also - although the prospect was universally rejected by other politicians in Ireland.
Irish Independent
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Here's all the ‘Up for the Match' details ahead of Kerry v Donegal on Sunday
In a repeat of the 2014 final, Kerry and Donegal will once again go head-to-head — and Up for the Match will capture all the buzz and excitement in the build-up to Sunday's showdown. The programme promises stories, atmosphere, and pre-match banter from fans and familiar faces. Marty Morrissey will be reporting live from Kilcar, Donegal, where he'll meet the family, friends and clubmates of Ryan and Eoin McHugh, and Patrick McBrearty — all set to feature in the final. Meanwhile, Anna Geary will be in Kerry, catching up with fans at Rathmore GAA Club, the home of Paul Murphy and Shane Ryan. In studio, GAA stalwarts Marc Ó Sé and Eamon McGee will offer their expert analysis and predictions, while the revered Brian McEniffe — affectionately known as the Godfather of Donegal GAA — will also join the discussion. A musical highlight of the night will be the return of the Donegal anthem Jimmy's Winning Matches by Rory & The Island — with a fresh twist in store for viewers. Following last week's memorable Riverdance tribute in county colours, the opening performance promises another surprise to kick off the show. Adding extra excitement to the evening, one lucky viewer and one studio audience member will each receive golden tickets to the final at Croke Park — a chance to witness history as either Kerry or Donegal lift the Sam Maguire Cup. Co-host Jacqui Hurley said: 'A first-ever All-Ireland final between Cork and Tipp was a novelty, but the fans from both counties brought their A-game to the craic. We know from experience that won't be a problem for Kerry and Donegal fans — we're looking forward to a brilliant show with them.' Co-presenter Des Cahill added: 'Last week, we saw the friendly rivalry between the Tipp and Cork fans — I can't wait to see what energy the Kerry and Donegal supporters bring to the studio. We'll have plenty of music, great chats with some GAA football veterans and check in with some of the 80,000 fans that are expected to travel the road to Croker, plus a bit of light entertainment and tunes to settle the nerves.' Up for the Match airs on Saturday, July 26 at 9.35pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.
Sky News
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Sky News
Riverdance star Michael Flatley to make bid for Irish presidency, court hears
Riverdance star Michael Flatley is hoping to become Ireland's next president, a court has heard. The revelation came out in a legal case over work done on his mansion in County Cork, the Castlehyde. Barrister Ronnie Hudson said there had been a "material change in circumstances" for Flatley and he's set to move back to Ireland in the next two weeks in the hope of running in autumn's election. A legal statement signed by the star's solicitor, Maxwell Mooney, was also submitted to the High Court stating Flatley would "seek nominations to run for president of Ireland". Flatley rose to fame when Riverdance, which features traditional Irish music and dance, became a phenomenon in the 1990s and went on to tour the world. It continues to be performed today. The choreographer and dancer also created and starred in Lord Of The Dance. The 67-year-old - who currently lives in Monaco - strongly hinted at a presidential bid last week, but said he hadn't made a final decision. He told a radio interview he didn't think the Irish people had a "true proper deep voice that speaks their language". Flatley said the "average person on the street" is unhappy with the status quo and "somebody has to speak for the Irish people". The role of president in Ireland is largely ceremonial and is currently held by Michael D Higgins, whose term ends on 11 November. The election is expected to take place at the end of October. A candidate needs nominations from at least 20 members of the Irish parliament or at least four local authorities. Those who've already met the criteria are former farming journalist and EU commissioner Mairead McGuinness, and former Galway mayor Catherine Connolly. Former MMA fighter Conor McGregor is among others who have also hinted they might run - although the prospect was universally rejected by other politicians in Ireland.
