Michael Flatley presented with Ireland-US Council award at St Patrick's Day lunch in New York 

Retired Irish dancer Michael Flatley has been presented with an Ireland-US Council award for Outstanding Achievement in the Performing Arts at their St Patrick’s Day lunch in Manhattan in New York.

The award is presented annually to an individual who has made a significant contribution to enhancing the economic relationship between the United States and Ireland.

Keynote speaker at the event, Minister for Justice Helen McEntee said his performances and shows are filled with “unrivalled and unmatched excellence”.

Proud

The Chicago born dancer, who has strong links to Cork through his Castlehyde mansion in Fermoy,  said it was an honour to receive the prestigious award from the Irish American community.

"This very impressive gathering of people makes me so proud to be Irish-American and to have spent my life promoting Ireland globally. It’s important that we continue to share our culture and to nurture the business relationships between Ireland and America.” 

Michael Flatley was also commended for his philanthropy work by Orla Dolan, CEO of Cork based Breakthrough Cancer Research. 

Phenomenon

Ms Dolan said that Mr Flatley embodies creativity and innovation.

“Thirty years ago, he changed the way we all felt about one of our oldest cultural traditions and he sparked a worldwide Irish dance phenomenon that has lasted to this day. He also changed the way we felt about the place we could have in the world and a new confidence rose up in Ireland," said Ms Dolan.

“However, Michael's contributions extend beyond the realm of entertainment. His steadfast support for various causes, including Breakthrough Cancer Research for more than 12 years, is not often known.” 

Meanwhile, earlier this week Mr Flatley and his wife Niamh Flatley hosted a dinner at the Rockefeller Centre for Breakthrough Cancer Research, Ireland’s leading cancer research charity, with New York business leaders.

Flatley’s entry onto the world stage began when he toured with The Chieftains. However, he shot to fame in 1994 when 300 million people worldwide first saw his performance of Riverdance at the Eurovision. He went on to create Lord of the Dance, Feet of Flames and Celtic Tiger.

Founded in 1962, the Ireland-US Council is regarded as one of the foremost organisations building communications between business, political and opinion leaders on both sides of the Atlantic.