'Ireland's greatest showman' circus ringmaster Tommy Courtney dies after cancer battle

Tommy Courtney from Circus Vegas, who died on Tuesday following a battle with throat cancer.

A beloved ringmaster known to his circus family as "Ireland's greatest showman" has passed away following a battle with throat cancer.

Tommy Courtney from Circus Vegas is survived by his daughters Darla, Penny, and Elena and brothers Patrick, Kenneth, and Ricky. He also leaves behind his sisters Anita and Marion.

It comes just months after the performer was praised by his niece Olivia Mulvaney for his kindness and bravery. 

Ms Mulvaney, who stepped into his role as ringmaster in 2023, spoke about his illness as part of an Irish Examiner feature published last April.

“I started as ringmistress in 2023,” she told the Irish Examiner. 

“My uncle — Tommy Courtney — was ringmaster before that but he got diagnosed with throat cancer which meant he was unable to speak on the mic anymore. 

'Still with the circus'

"I think it was the end of 2022 that my uncle was given two weeks to live but he’s still here and still with the circus. He has always been an incredible showman. It makes me happy to see how proud he is of me. 

"We never really had a close relationship when I was growing up, but him showing me the ropes and teaching me so much really brought us together.” 

Circus Vegas announced his passing on social media.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our fellow tent master and ringmaster, Tommy Courtney,” they said. 

“Tommy fought an admirable battle over recent years, always staying positive, sharing his humour, and cracking jokes with everyone around him. Our hearts are broken. He was our very own Irish Greatest Showman, a true legend who will be deeply missed and never forgotten.”