Circus ringmistress, singer Marion Fossett dies aged 71

Marion Fossett, a ringmistress who was known as "one of the best" in circus entertainment, has died at the age of 71.

Her family said she died in hospital in Dublin last night after being ill for some time.

"She loved what she did," said her brother Eddie Fossett.

"She was the face of Fossett's Circus...we are so proud of her."

Her niece Sonya Fossett described her as a showgirl who loved her feathers and sequins.

"She was a singer, an actress...she was a star to be shared," Sonya said.

The family-run Fossett’s Circus, which has been touring since the late 1880s, was set up by Marion's great-grandfather after he returned from America.

In her childhood, Marion made her debut in the ring at just 18 months old in a basket on an elephant.

She went on to master many skills, becoming an aerialist, contortionist and a sword balancer.

Marion was once quoted as saying "you can shake the sawdust from your feet, but you never shake it from your blood".

Her friend Charles O'Brien recalls a woman who was at the "top of her craft" and adored the enjoyment she provided to large crowds.

"She was very much aware of the fact she brought a smile to people's faces around the country," he said.

"Marion would stand in the middle of the ring twice a day, six days a week and she could see every single face.

"She effectively was born on the show as the entire family were," said Mr O'Brien.

"That was the heyday of circus."

He described how Marion made a "rare" move from the circus into mainstream entertainment in the 1970s.

While living in London, she played all the main cabaret venues and featured on prime Saturday night television programmes including Seaside Special.

Her broad career included acting in a feature film and on stage. For a certain generation she will be remembered for her part in the girl group Sheeba alongside Maxi and Frances Campbell.

They represented Ireland at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1981.

"This predated the Spice Girls," said Mr O'Brien.

"They were the number one."

Her niece describes how her voice took her to so many places.

"She made her own career from that. She did the Eurovision and six national song contests."

When Marion's father became ill, Marion returned to Ireland and to the family business. She also co-presented The Big Top, a variety show aired on RTÉ.

Her family said she was "meticulous" with circus performance and she made sure everyone "presented well".

Behind the scenes, her nieces said they remember an aunt who was always looking after the family, saying that "the kettle was always on".

The family bond was "particularly close" as when they grew up, they still lived together, worked together and travelled together.

Her mother, Herta, who she was very close to, died two years ago.

Mr O'Brien described how their last holiday together was to Paris and her wish was to go to many shows including Moulin Rouge.

"She lived, ate and slept entertainment."

Throughout her career in the circus, the 71-year-old gave interviews addressing how it had to adapt and make changes amid criticism around the welfare of animals.

She continued to work as a ringmistress, touring the country with Fossett’s until April of this year. The family business included 42 weeks of travel annually.

"It's the nature of the business," Mr O'Brien said.

"Every single year, Marion Fossett and her family arrived into parishes and villages.

"People feel they know her.

"People who met her would say 'you live in a caravan, what's it like?’

"While Marion had a home in Dublin, her choice was to stay on the road for most of the year."

She enjoyed the work and the recognition. She was known in the circus industry in Europe and further afield.

"It is her voice we are going to miss," said her sister Angela.

"The gap she leaves is irreplaceable," she said.

She recalled how Marion's last words to the family were ‘you've got to continue on with the show’.