MARION FOSSETT, WHO was leader of Ireland’s oldest circus has died, her family have said. 

Marion was the ring mistress of the travelling show and was a well known figure in the Irish entertainment industry. 

She died last night in a hospital in Dublin after a long illness – Marion was 71 years old. 

In a statement on the circus’ Facebook account, her family said: “It’s with great sadness, we the Fossett family would like to share the news of the passing of our beloved Marion Fossett. She was a shining star in our lives and we are heartbroken by her loss.”

The family run business had been touring as a circus since the late 1880s and was set up by Marion’s great-grandfather when he came home from America. 

She had first appeared at the age of just 18 months in a basket on an elephant. 

She would go on to perform as an aerial specialist, contortion and balancing acts and ultimately became its ring mistress. 

She also hit more widespread fame in the 1970s when she became known as a singer. 

She also was a part of Sheeba, alongside Maxi and Frances Campbell and represented Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1981.