Michael Jackson going to Ireland?
Jackson plans to bid farewell to Neverland treasure...in Kildare
Irish fans are in for a real 'thriller' -- controversial superstar Michael Jackson may be jetting in to bid a final goodbye to his Neverland memorabilia.
Newbridge Silverware scored a major coup after its Kildare showrooms were chosen as the first place in the world to exhibit some 2,500 items -- estimated to be worth at least €3m -- before they go for auction in LA.
Now a company source has confirmed to the Herald that they are in negotiations with Jackson's representatives about the possibility of him coming here to give his best-loved items one last send off.
"It's very likely that he will come over here," she said. "He loves Ireland and spent a lot of time here when he was going through a difficult time in his life, so has fond memories of the place.
"But because of the media circus that always surrounds him when he goes anywhere, he'll probably slip into the country discreetly and see the exhibition privately without tipping anyone off in advance."
"We're trying to get something definite out of his people but the truth is we just don't know yet."
She added that the company has been "absolutely inundated" with queries about the exhibition from media outlets and fans all over the world.
"This is the biggest thing we have ever done in terms of exhibitions. We have had calls from everyone from the Today Show in the US to Hollywood Tonight.
"They're all getting on flights over here next week for the press preview on Thursday. The phone has just been ringing off the hook," she continued.
"The whole collection is estimated to be worth around €3m, but once you factor in the whole 'Jackson factor', it could go for a lot more. These are such important pieces in his history. We have everything from the first contract he signed with the Jackson Five down to memorabilia from his last tour and major TV appearances."
A ring of security is now being erected around the Newbridge Silverware Museum of Style Icons, given that the massive cache of memorabilia is arriving next Tuesday.
The world-famous star turned his back on the sprawling estate after he was acquitted of child molestation charges in 2005 as he said his California home felt "violated" after police searches.
The stash includes his Neverland furniture, his lavish stage costumes including the jacket he wore on his Dangerous tour, his impressive art collection and even some of his private correspondence.
