Fossett’s named Rebels’ circus

ROLL UP, roll up — the People’s Republic of Cork will get its own official circus today.

Fossett’s Circus, which can trace its roots back to Mallow in the late 1800s, will announce plans later to become the city’s designated circus.

The move will see its multi-cultural staff wearing t-shirts from the cult People’s Republic of Cork website, its Polish chef will serve up tripe and drisheen to the staff and there are also plans to play the Cork anthem, ‘De Banks’, after shows.

Fossett’s spokesman Charles O’Brien said the move has given a huge boost to staff morale.

“While our core administration staff is Irish, and mostly from Cork, most of our circus staff are from all over the world,” he said.

“But they are really getting in to this. It’s given them a huge boost.”

The People’s Republic of Cork will join other republics like Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Mongolia in having an official circus.

“Every republic should have its own national circus,” Mr O’Brien said.

“It is particularly apt that we should be chosen for the honour because the Fossett family can trace their ancestors back to Mallow where founder George Lowe began the show in the mid 1800s.

“They have brought their own special brand of magic to countless generations of Cork families at the traditional circus site at Gilabbey Rock and more recently in Carrigaline, Glanmire and Ballincollig.

“It is with great pride that Fossett’s Circus returns to Cork as its official circus.”

The state circus is the world’s longest continuously touring circus — having staged shows since 1875.