Flatley: Let’s Move Forward!

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Irish Voice Entertainment

Flatley: Let’s Move Forward!

November 15, 2007

THE Celtic Tiger is dead? Not now and not ever says Lord of the Dance creator and star Michael Flatley, who electrified an audience full of Irish American business, political and cultural leaders at the first annual U.S.-Ireland Forum last Wednesday at in New York when he called for the worldwide Irish diaspora to harness its energy to elevate the Tiger to the next level.

“It’s time to stand up and throw our best punch,” said Flatley, who was a guest of honor at the forum hosted by our sister publication Irish America magazine, the American Ireland Fund and UCD.

Looking in tip-top shape, Flatley jetted into New York especially to attend the event, such is his desire to play a leading role in how the Irish diaspora can move forward. He was accompanied by his wife Niamh and baby son Michael St. James, who’s a real little bundle of cuteness. (We saw plenty of evidence of that fact as his mom showed off pix on her digital camera.)

Flatley told the guests at the forum dinner that he is more than prepared to lead the new charge forward, while being mindful of Ireland’s glorious past. “This is our opportunity to do something special. We didn’t come this far in our lives to finish second,” he urged.

“We need to offer our future generations an alternative other than MTV, where the hits last for 15 minutes. Our hits last for thousands of years,” Flatley added.

The internationally renowned dance star and entrepreneur offered the idea of the a 24 hour, seven day a week channel devoted to all things Irish. He also spoke of his desire to create a new website that would reach out and cater to the diaspora in all corners of the world.

“Why can’t we have a TV station that shows the best of what we are? It’s time to shed this leprechaun image once and for all. We are leaders in our field, every field we choose. It’s time that the world knows that.

“Our greatest asset is our people. Let’s stand shoulder to shoulder. Let’s scream and we will be heard.”

Flatley took issue with media reports predicting the demise of the Celtic Tiger, and said the negativity about Ireland’s groundbreaking progress during the past decade must end.

“The papers say the Celtic Tiger is dead. And I can tell you it’s not. We have the ability to keep this going, and we have a responsibility to keep this going.

“We are standing on the shoulders of people like Pearse and Connolly. We have a responsibility to reach for the stars. And don’t tell me that we can’t.”

Flatley cited the example of his Irish emigrant parents, who came to the U.S. in 1947 seeking a better way of life.

“They worked seven days a week, including holidays, and never took the dole. And they never complained,” Flatley recalled. “What they did, making a success of themselves in America, is a sign of the fighting Irish spirit that we all have.”

Flatley received several rounds of applause during his speech, and a standing ovation afterwards. Then, of course, he met a whole bunch of his fans who stopped by to take pictures and say hello. Michael, as usual, happily obliged them all.

Michael took care of plenty of business during his time in the Big Apple, and also prepared for his guest starring slot on Dancing With the Stars, the most popular TV show in the U.S. He is scheduled to appear live next Tuesday, November 20.

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