Flatley is awarded Freedom of Sligo

Michael Flatley will be awarded the Freedom of Sligo today, honouring the international star's family roots and connection to…

Michael Flatley will be awarded the Freedom of Sligo today, honouring the international star's family roots and connection to the county.

The ceremony will take place in Sligo city hall this evening at 8pm where Mr Flatley, who is to attend with his wife Niamh, and his parents, will be awarded the privilege by Sligo Mayor, Jonathan McGoldrick.

Mr Flatley, whose father was a native of Culfadda in Sligo, launched the Sligo Live Festival in September last year and has long been influenced by the music of the area, organisers said.

"The phenomenal reaction Michael received in his father's native Sligo was proof enough to the Sligo Live Festival organisers that Michael Flatley should be honoured with the Freedom of Sligo," festival producer, Rory O'Connor said.

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"We are delighted the Mayor and Borough Council have recognised Michael. He could not have been more supportive to us in Sligo Live. He has such an affinity for traditional music, and particularly the lilting Sligo style music.

"Michael Flatley is widely recognised as a concert flute player and had he not concentrated on dancing could have made a career as a musician," he added.

Sligo style traditional music has produced greats such as Seamus Tansey, Peter Horan and Matt Molloy of the Chieftains, all like Michael Flatley, are masters of the concert flute.

Mayor McGoldrick said: "Michael is a wonderful person, he has a great love for Irish culture and it is so appropriate for him to join the select group of Freemen of Sligo, one of the oldest Boroughs in the Country".