THE BALLOON MAN

Fifi in the big top.

Photograph: Daragh Mc Sweeney/ Provision

Edward Fossett (Otto the clown) Fiona McCann (Fifi) and ringmistress Marion Fossett outside Fossetts Circus in Mallow, Co Cork. Photograph: Daragh Mc Sweeney/ Provision

Fiona McCann is transformed from journalist to Fifi the clown by Edward Fossett, in preparation for her stint at Fossett's big top

Clowning around at the circusThe Irish Times -
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Realising many people’s childhood fantasy, Fiona McCann runs away to join the circus, but discovers after only one day that being a clown is a serious business
I’VE RUN away to join the circus. In contrast to childhood fantasies, alas, I’ve only run away for the day, and it involves a train to Mallow rather than hitching a ride alongside some exotic stranger on a coloured wagon passing through town. None of this detracts, however, from the fillip of excitement as the bright blue Fossett’s tent looms into view and I take in the scurry of circus folk transforming Mallow Racecourse for tonight’s performance.
I’m becoming a clown for a day, following in a long circus tradition that stretches back to the legendary Joseph Grimaldi, which leaves me with some pretty big shoes to fill (kaboom-tsssh!).
It’s a task that would seem monumental were it not for the on-hand assistance from some of the best in the business: after all, the Fossett family has been in the circus game for six generations now, tracing their legacy all the way back to one George Lowe, a Mallow man who honed his skills as a performer on Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show.
Read more at:
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/features/2010/0707/1224274179973.html