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Calls for traditional travelling circuses to be supported as integral part of Irish culture

Jun 5, 2026 13:24
By radiokerrynews
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Calls for traditional travelling circuses to be supported as integral part of Irish culture

A spokesperson for a traditional circus says his sector should qualify for Arts Council support.

David Fitzgerald is general manager of Circus Gerbola.

Irish traditional travelling circuses and funfairs were added to the state's National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage in August 2021.

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In 2025, UNESCO recognised Chile's family tradition circus, celebrating the cultural diversity, acrobatics, and close-knit, multi-generational family structures found within these traditional travelling troupes.

Mr Fitzgerald questions why the sector has been excluded from arts funding.

He said circuses, like other businesses, are coping with increased costs and says the price of green diesel, on which they rely, has doubled since February.

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Mr Fitzgerald praised Kerry County Council for its support and for always providing them with a site:

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