World's longest-running circus loses a 'shining star'
As well as being a renowned ringmaster, Marion Fossett was also an accomplished cabaret singer.
Fossett’s Circus cancelled its Saturday shows in Tramore as a sign of respect to Marion Fossett, one of the most well-known ringmasters in all of Ireland, who died this week.
Ms Fossett, aged 71, died on June 5, “surrounded by her family and in the loving care of the staff at St. Vincent’s private hospital”. The funeral is on Tuesday, June 9, in St Patrick’s Church at 11.30am.
The family-run Fossett’s Circus has been touring for over 130 years. Marion’s great-grandfather, George Lowe, set it up after he returned to Ireland from America. They say this makes them the oldest continuously touring circus in the world.
Marion had performed in the ring for almost 70 years, making her debut at just 18 months old in an elephant’s basket.
Ms Fossett also represented Ireland in the Eurovision in 1981 with her song ‘Horoscopes’, which came fifth overall.
She took over as ringmaster of the circus from her father Ted in 1998.
In a statement on social media, her family said, “She was a shining star in our lives and we are heartbroken by her loss.”
Her niece, Sonya Fossett, described her as a showgirl who loved her feathers and sequins.
It continued, “As a mark of respect, the family have cancelled today’s [Saturday] performances at Tramore Racecourse but Marion’s final wish was the show is to continue tomorrow at 2pm with an additional performance at 5pm tomorrow evening.”
People have taken to social media to express their sympathies for the Fossett family. She has been described as “the queen of Irish circuses” and “a true lady”.
