MICHAEL FLATLEY has provided a brilliant reminder of the fact that, when it comes to Irish music, he’s still the Lord of the Dance.
The Riverdance icon might be best remembered for his dazzling footwork on the stage, but as any Flatley afficionado will tell you, he’s just as spellbinding when it comes to his flute work.
A cornerstone of many productions over the years, the 62-year-old delivering another masterclass on the woodwind instrument over the weekend.
Filmed for TG4 as part of a week of programmes put together for Fleadh 2020, Flatley’s contribution came in the form of two mesmerising flute renditions of a pair of Irish classics: The Ghost Reel, and The Castlehyde Reel.
Performed in idyllic countryside surroundings, it proved the perfect accompaniment to what is, traditionally, one of the biggest weeks of the year for Irish music.
Fleadh Cheoil represents the world’s largest annual celebration of Irish music, language, song and dance.
This year’s event had been due to take place in Mullingar, with festivities originally set to conclude this past Sunday, August 9.
Usually attracting upwards of 500,000 visitors to the host town annually, this year’s festivities sadly had to be cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Thankfully TG4 was on hand to keep the celebrations going with four programmes packed full of brilliant Irish entertainment and featuring memorable contributions from the likes of Flatley.
Here’s hoping they can all reconvene in Mullingar next year.
