‘It’s our job to create magic’ – Circus ringmistress Marion Fossett dies aged 71

Marion Fossett, a beloved and iconic figure in Irish circus life, has passed away at the age of 71 following an illness. For many years, she served as the ringmistress for Fossett's Circus, a role in which she became widely known and admired.

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Marion is a huge loss to the family.

Her niece, Sonya Fossett, described Marion as a significant loss to the family, emphasizing her central role not only in the business but also as a mother figure. "The kettle was always on, advice always at the ready and diamantés on standby," Sonya recalled, painting a picture of Marion's warm and supportive nature.

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Not only was she the face and voice of our business, she was a mother figure to the whole family. The kettle was always on, advice always at the ready and diamantés on standby.

Fossett lived for entertainment, excelling as a ringmistress, singer, actress, and artist. Her talents extended beyond the circus ring; she was part of the pop trio Sheeba, representing Ireland at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1981 with the song "Horoscopes." She also performed cabaret, acted in a film, and made regular television appearances.

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The Diva is irreplaceable.

Despite her diverse career, Fossett always felt the pull of the circus, calling it home. In a 2010 interview, she famously stated, "you can take the sawdust out of your shoes but you can’t shake it out of your blood." She described her role as creating magic, transforming ordinary fields into "a village of colour" for audiences. Fossett's Circus, founded by her great-grandfather George Lowe in 1888, mourned her passing, calling her a "shining star" and "irreplaceable."

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she was a shining star in our lives and we are heartbroken by her loss