28/09/2007 -

Superstar Flatley hotfoots into Sligo

Legendary Irish Dance Superstar, Michael Flatley returned to his roots last Thursday to spearhead the launch of the Sligo Live Festival 2007.

Michael’s connection with Sligo and the Sligo Local Authorities have been well chronicled. His grandfather Thomas worked for Sligo county Council in the Ballymote area, and the people of the Ballymote and indeed the whole of Sligo hold a special affinity for the Flately name.

Michael joined a host of well-known traditional musicians including the member’s of Dervish at a special outdoor session at the WB Yeats monument in Stephen Street on Thursday afternoon before being accorded a Civic Reception by Mayor, Councillor Jonathan McGoldrick on Thursday evening Michael was joined by his beautiful wife Niamh, son, Michael Jnr, and his Parents who flew in from America especially for the Occasion.

Councillor McGoldrick paid tribute to the superstar, highlighting how the genesis of the 1994 Eurovision Interval Act – ‘Riverdance’, initiated a revival of Irish Traditional Music and Dance across the Globe. ‘In many ways the spirit of Riverdance encapsulated the mood of a nation. It was vibrant, dynamic and confident. It was Irish’.

Placing Irish Traditional music and mainstream acts side by side, ‘Sligo Live’ is set to provide a riveting four days of Music over the October Bank Holiday weekend.