In reply to Barry Eagan’s article on Michael Flatley: “Do you know any poor…”

 

The original letter to the Sunday Independent dated Sunday, February 1, 2026

Madam,

Barry Egan (Sunday, 1st February) brought to our attention that Michael Flatley wants to set the record straight by having us consider for a moment how many poor people do we know who have moved to Monaco; how many people do we know that have no money and live in Monaco? It is surely a strange way to be saying things no doubt, but the man must stand up to those who are bent on defaming his good name.

Here is a man who grew up without having been born with a golden spoon in his mouth. He physically worked very hard, and it is one of the admirable things about his character that he doesn’t forget where he came from. Perhaps it is for this reason alone that all his efforts in adult life have paid off so well. What is it about the people of this beautiful land that are so into bringing down anyone, but particularly artists and writers?

This man has done so much not alone for Irish culture but also for the world of dance. Beyond these shores his shows are always sold out. People come away from his shows with renewed confidence in themselves and in the endless possibilities of art. Let us not lose sight of what is truly important in life, namely our health, our peace of mind and good name. Let us wish Michael and his beloved family the very best of health and happiness. Let the man have his good name. If a person has devoted their entire life to their art and have made a great success out of it, then we should show our respect for such effort by joyfully and genuinely saying “Bravo, Michael! Bravo! Keep going, for you have got what it takes. Raw fearless determination.”

Richard Mc Sweeney, Tallow, Co Waterford

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The following is what was published in today’s Sunday Independent February 8, 2026

https://www.independent.ie/opinion/letters/letters-why-irish-weather-warnings-are-getting-lost-in-translation/a1185732679.html

Flatley a victim of Irish begrudgery

Madam — Michael Flatley is right to defend his good name (‘Do you know any poor people who moved to Monaco?’, ­February 1).

Here is a man who was not born with a silver spoon in his mouth. He physically worked very hard, and it is one of the admirable things about his character that he doesn’t ­forget where he came from.

What is it about the people of this land that they are so into bringing down anyone, but particularly artists and writers?

This man has done so much not just for Irish culture, but also for the world of dance. ­Beyond these shores, his shows are always sold out. People come away from the performances with renewed confidence in themselves and in the endless possibilities of art.

Richard McSweeney, Tallow, Co Waterford

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[Sunday Independent: “All letters must be exclusive to the Sunday Independent. We reserve the right to edit letters, if necessary. They should be emailed…”]

In my opinion there is editing and there is editing.

There is a vast difference between basic, surface-level polishing (like grammar checks, for instance) and deep, substantive revision that reshapes structure, tone and content. In my view, what was done to my original letter and what was ultimately published show that the editing went far beyond mere technical fixes. The result reflects not only a deep structural revision of the content but, perhaps more importantly, a loss of its natural flow and warmth. Might one not see this kind of insensitive editorial interference as a form of tongue‑in‑cheek begrudgery? In any case, this editorial intervention smacks of an empathy‑devoid, AI‑driven kind of journalism.

RMcS