By Daniel McConnell, political editor, in Washington DC
Lord of the Dance Michael Flatley has paid a warm tribute to his late father as he was honoured by the Irish American Fund in Washington DC.
Speaking at the gala dinner, Mr Flatley spoke of his pride in spreading Irish culture throughout the globe.
Mr Flatley was one of four honourees at the event which raised more than $1m for philanthropic causes in Ireland.
"I wish my father could not be here tonight," he said. "He was a Sligo man…Sadly, he passed away a year ago last Sunday. My mother just turned 80 and she couldn't make the trip.
"My mother is from Carlow and they came to the United States from Carlow in 1947 with nothing and they worked so hard. Two Irish people…They worked day and night to support us. I would have nothing, I would be nothing without my parents and any award I receive in my life time, particularly this one, it's for them."
Speaking on the eve of his retirement, he spoke of the toll his dancing career has had on his body.
"It has been a great 20 years. I finish tomorrow. I would like to think the good times have outweighed the bad times, but sometimes I wonder. My body has taken a severe beating. I need shoulder replacements (and) my knees and spine need a lot of work," he said.
He added: "A torn calf, two ruptured Achilles tendons and a broken toe...It's been severe but I wouldn't trade it for the world."
He went on to reference the impact the Riverdance and Lord of the Dance shows have had around the world.
"It was my great honour for the last 20 years to do what I do. We have brought Irish culture to the four corners of this globe. We have sold out every major venue from Tokyo to Texas and from Mexico to Moscow," he said.
"We have entertained people from all over the world and I'm proud to say I brought the tricolour with me everywhere.
"As I finish tomorrow night in Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas I can honestly say hand on heart in front of God I have given every last drop of what I have to my art and to Ireland," he added.
He concluded his speech by performing a jig and reel on his flute.
Among those present at the gala dinner were Irish Ambassador to the US Anne Anderson, Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams, Mary Lou McDonald and Martin McGuinness.
