Stories from Old Newspapers

 Dungarvan Observer 6 April 1918

The Circus Comes to Dungarvan

Duffy and McLean’s Circus advertised their visit to Dungarvan on 8 April 1918. The acts included the ‘Sensation’ – Nature’s strongest caprice – Andy, the remarkable Sea-lion man. He juggles anything you hand him, bring something.

Also on the programme was ‘The Greatest Wonder of the Age’ – ZENO, the incomparable revolving Globe performer and inimitable juggler, in an up-to-date specialty act – ‘Atlas Triumphant’.

The circus included some of the best performing horses and ponies then touring Ireland. There were also clowns – pessimistic, optimistic, singing, dancing, and tumbling.

‘A little nonsense is relished by the wisest men. That is the reason all wise men come to see Duffy and McLean’s curious comical conglomeration of curious clowns and colossal contraband of comedy connivers, dressed in camouflage, which causes contentment and facial calisthenics conducive to a condition foreign to commiseration’.

The circus planed to parade at 1 o’clock headed by a ‘Grand Brass Band’.

Admission was 2 shillings and 4 pence, 1 shilling and 3 pence and 8 pence. Children were admitted for 2 and a half pence and ‘inmates of the Union’ [Workhouse] were free.

The circus was run by James Duffy and Elizabeth McLean.

When the circus arrived in Dungarvan it was held in the Gaelic field, which is now called Fraher Field.


Circus Parade in Lower Main Street ,Dungarvan, early 1900's