Flattened
"Celtic Tiger portrays the oppression of a people. The tiger itself symbolizes the awakening of their spirit in the struggle for freedom." Said? Michael Collins? Tiger Woods? Actually, it was Michael Flatley, who obviously confused Brussels with the Black and Tans when making that extraordinary statement.
No one, but no one, has ridden the Celtic Tiger as outrageously as Michael Flatley. Many were clawed (sorry!) but few were as well chosen as Micko by the rough beast that slouched towards Ireland during the Roaring Nineties. Despite the dangers posed by the fat cat, the Lord of the Dance was never in jeopardy of being mauled. When you have Feet of Flames, what could threaten you?
And then, Flately tempted fate. He got married last month and announced shortly afterwards that the patter of tiny dancing feet would soon be heard in historic Castlehyde by the banks of the gentle Blackwater, where the happy couple had set up home after completing renovations costing a mere €50 million, according to the Sindo. Marvellous news, of course, but Cyril Connolly's famous injunction about the artist and "the pram in the hall" must have alerted some of the jealous, lesser gods because Michael Flatley has been flattened and now lies ill in a London clinic where he is being treated for a "viral infection", as doctorspeak puts it. "Celtic Tiger Touring Inc has cancelled all European dates for Celtic Tiger starring Michael Flatley due to serious illness," said a statement posted on the show's website. The evil tabloids will have a field day of supposition with that, no doubt.
The Rainy Day team once attended a spectacular performance in Dublin of the original Riverdance with Michael Flatley and Jean Butler in the lead roles, not forgetting Davy Spillane on the pipes and Eileen Ivers on the fiddle, and a mighty night was had by all. So, come on Tiger! Get back on those dancing feet! The struggle for freedom show must go on.
