Michael Flatley thanks people of Fermoy after death wife Niamh

Michael Flatley has thanked the people of Fermoy for their support following the death of his wife, acclaimed Irish dancer Niamh Flatley.

In a message posted on social media on Thursday evening, the Riverdance star said the flag was flying at half-mast at the family's Castlehyde estate in her memory.

"Today the flag flies at half-mast at Castlehyde in memory of our beloved Niamh," he wrote.

"We are deeply touched by the kindness and compassion shown by the people of Fermoy. To those who have taken the time to leave flowers at the gates of Castlehyde, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

"Your beautiful gestures of sympathy and support mean more to our family than words can express."

The message was signed by Michael Flatley and the couple's son, Michael St James Flatley.

Funeral details for Ms Flatley were announced earlier on Thursday.

The 52-year-old died at the Beacon Hospital in Dublin on Monday. She had a long-standing lung condition that had deteriorated over the past year.

Ms Flatley will repose at Ryan's Funeral Home in Ashbourne, Co Meath, on Friday from 4pm to 7pm.

Her funeral Mass will take place on Saturday at 11am at the Church of St Thérèse in Mount Merrion, Dublin, followed by a private family burial.

In her death notice, Ms Flatley is remembered as being "hugely missed" by her husband and son, as well as her parents, sisters, niece, nephews, extended family and her "many wonderful friends from school, college and the dancing world".

Mr and Ms Flatley had been married for 20 years. A member of the Lord of the Dance production company, she began dating Michael Flatley in June 2006 and the couple married four months later at St Patrick's Church in Fermoy, Co Cork.

Their son Michael St James Flatley was born in 2007.