Flatley taps into festive mood on charity day out

The famous dancer was the guest of honour as the children from various hospitals around Cork had an early Christmas day out at Fota House's Winter Wonderland.

The day was organised by the Cork City Children's Hospitals Club - and Flatley, an avid charily supporter, was only too happy to lend a hand.

Flatley admitted that there is no feeling in the world like being a dad.

"It doesn't get any better than this," he said, as he watched Michael Jnr share the joy with other youngsters at the Christmas wonderland.

But it won't be a relaxing Christmas by the fire for the millionaire dancer himself.

Having recovered from a mystery virus which struck him down two years ago, Flatley, star of Riverdance, is now preparing for a series of shows in the Far East.

He faces eight sell-out shows in Taiwan-and a clamour by other countries such as Japan, South Korea and China for personal appearances.

The dancer will be accompanied by his wife and son in the Far East .

However, the family hope to return to spend their traditional Christmas at their lavish Castlehyde Estate outside Fermoy in North Cork.

And until then, the dancer is in a strict training and diet regime.

"I will certainly have earned my pint by the time I have finished these shows," he said.

The children were transported to Fota House yesterday in Michael's 14 vintage cars including a Rolls Royce, a Hummer, four minis and two stretch limos.

Michael insisted on personally driving Upton boy Cian O'Brien and his mum Kate for the special day out.

Cian hit the headlines when he made a miracle recovery from a marathon 10-hour brain operation at Beaumont Hospital last month.

Cian -who has cerebral palsy - had been suffering more than 100 seizures each day.

The toddler even had to wear a special helmet to protect his head because of the severe nature of the fits.

But, since the brain surgery, Cian's quality of life has been transformed.

"Cian is having an amazing time," his mother Kate said. "He has not had one seizure since."

She was also delighted to meet Flatley, saying: "Michael is such a lovely man."