Thieves 'bypassed' other valuables to steal rhino horn from Flatley home
The valuable Rhino horn taken from the Cork home of dance star Michael Flatley could fetch hundreds of thousands of euro if sold on the international black market.
The theft at Flatley’s Castlehyde House yesterday evening is believed to have been carried out by a Limerick-based gang who may have also been responsible for the theft of Rhino heads from the National Museum last year.
The incident occurred at 6.20pm yesterday while Mr Flatley was in his home with his wife Niamh and their son Michael Jnr. They were in another section of the house when the break-in occurred and raised the alarm after hearing glass breaking.
The raiders made their escape with the single Rhino horn that was on display in Castlehyde and the Flatley family did not come into contact with them.
Gardaí in Fermoy are investigating the incident and are examining CCTV footage.
Rhino horns are extremely valuable and the one taken from Flatley’s home could be worth up to €400,000 on the black market.
Gardaí said the Rhino horn was the only item taken with the thieves bypassing other valuables.
The Mayor of Fermoy, Cllr Olive Corcoran, said the burglary was a shocking incident and highlighted the ongoing series of burglaries that are occurring.
“No matter who you are you have an entitlement to security in your own home. Michael Flatley has been very good to the area and I know everyone will be horrified with this news,” she said.
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