Hello and welcome to my tribute to the incomparable Bernadette Flynn! Bernadette Mary Flynn, or 'Bernie' as she is affectionately called by her fans, was born on August 1st, 1979, in Nenagh, Co. Tipperary, Ireland. She comes from a very large family - she has a brother, Andrew, and three sisters; Elaine, Catriona, and Maria. The Flynn family owns a pub and bed-and-breakfast in their hometown called 'Andy Flynn's. Bernie began dancing at the age of five with the Browne School of Irish Dance, under the direction of Dorian Browne. It was evident from the start that Bernie had a special gift for dancing. By the time she was 16, she had already won seven All-Ireland titles and six World Championships.
By 1996, Michael Flatley had left Riverdance and was working on his own show, Lord of the Dance. He had already decided on casting the elegant Areleen Ni Bhaoill as his leading lady. But upon seeing Bernie dance, Michael changed his mind and cast her as Saoirse, the Irish Colleen, appointing Areleen as her principal understudy. Areleen would later become the principal Saoirse in Troupe 2. Thus, at the young age of 16, Bernie left home and school life behind to tour with the successful show.
Since joining Lord of the Dance, Bernadette has toured the entire world, from Europe and America to Japan, Israel, and Australia, danced at the 1997 
Oscars, and performed in front of 30 000 people in Hyde Park in Michael Flatley's Feet of Flames in 1998. She has also been appointed as dance captain for Troupe 1, which she has been touring with since 1996. She is currently sharing the role of Saoirse, the Irish Colleen with Ciara Scott.
As for her personal life, Bernie is engaged to Damien O'Kane, who is one of the 'Lords' in Troupe 1. They have been dating for quite a few years now; they got engaged in July 2003 and are getting married on December 28, 2005. She and Damien will stay with the show at least until spring 2006. Bernie says she likes chocolate and teddy bears and that she hates American football. To keep her hair in good condition, she uses Clarins products. Her favourite numbers in the show are 'Cry of the Celts' and 'Stolen Kiss' and her favourite colours are white and green. For all the latest pictures on Bernie, please see Kristine's site.
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Kristine's Bernadette Page the longest-running site on Bernie
Lord of the Dance Austria all the latest pictures and info on the European tours
The Bernadette Flynn Club founded by Kristine
Bernadette Tribute Page a club founded by Madalina
Bernadette Flynn's Ultimate Club founded by Laura
In the Spotlight an interview with the Irish Dancing Magazine
Flynn and Norris Fans a group for Bernie and Gillian Norris fans
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Below are photos of Bernie on the FOF 2001 American tour.
The photos were taken by Gerry Gund, who has kindly given me permission to display them here.
Please do not remove them from here! Thank you.
...JoeJoe / Terry Coons / Laura / Katja / Esther / Karen McNicholas
Madalina / Kristine / Jessica / Silke / Philipp Hayer / Deborah...
...for their respective contributions!
