MICHAEL FLATLEY, who is to receive the Freedom of Sligo tonight, reached the top in showbiz because when other boys were playing football, he insisted on dancing.
Even when on holiday in Ireland from his school in Chicago he was forever toe-tapping, his closest relative in his father's native Co Sligo village said yesterday.
The dancer's older cousin John Higgins said: "When our boys would be out kicking football, Michael was dancing. And in between dancing sessions he was practising his dancing. He was totally committed, totally dedicated".
Flatley often stayed with Mr Higgins and his wife during his childhood holidays in his father's home village, Culfadda.
Mayor Jonathan McGoldrick, who will confer the honour at tonight's ceremony, said: "He has been a true friend to Sligo over the years. He's been here many times. It's only fitting that we give him the freedom of the borough."