The ringmaster behind one of Ireland's most popular circuses has passed away at the age of 92.
Tom Duffy, founder of the eponymous circus, is being remembered as 'the greatest showman' after he died peacefully this week.
The popular man had suffered ill health in recent years, surviving two bouts of cancer and recovering from Covid-19 during the pandemic.
RTE broadcaster Joe Duffy paid tribute to the ringmaster, writing: "Sad to report the passing of the legendary Tom Duffy. Ireland's greatest showman.
"Born into the circus over 90 years ago. He was circus to his trapeze fingertips. @duffyscircus Deepest sympathy to his family and friends The show will go on. R.I.P."
Tom's family announced the sad news on Tuesday and paid tribute to the enduring legacy that he has handed down to the next generation.
They said: "It is with great sadness and regret that the Duffy family announce the peaceful passing of Tom Duffy, Our Greatest Showman. Tom is survived by son David, daughter in law, Stephanie and his two Grandsons, Tom and Jamie and brother Freddy.
"Born on April 5th, 1929, in Limavady, Northern Ireland, in his parent’s caravan, Tom was fifth born of eight siblings.
"He can lay claim to being one of few to have lived in almost every town, city, village and hamlet in Ireland, even if only briefly, over his almost 90 years touring with Duffy’s Circus.
"Tom remained on tour for many years through the toughest of times, witnessing World War, The Troubles, fighting cancer, losing his wife Gertie, and embracing the changes and modernisation of a lifestyle and art that can be traced back through his family through the last few centuries."
Tom was also remembered as an "all round circus star" who was "a showman at heart".
"Tom Duffy tried and mastered many of the skill sets for an amazing all-round circus star, he was articulate in the ring as ringmaster, a capable and confident horseman and a general all-round acrobat able to turn his hand to any act that needed him," his family said.
"He was a showman at heart and never one to shy away from the spotlight, or a microphone.
"In April of 1979, his 50th birthday, he, his son, David, and wife Gertie created what is the current inception of Tom Duffy’s Circus.
"Through the years it has seen many changes and grown from strength to strength becoming one of the largest and most respected circuses in Europe.
"From the early days of the horse drawn wagons to the modern new trucks and living quarters he bore witness to immense changes and modernisations within the circus and entertainment industry."
The Duffy family added that Tom's "strong character and charisma were always part of his larger-than-life persona".
"In recent times ailing health required Tom to step back, a little, and enjoy some comfort in his care home in Dublin, though he would still come and visit when the Circus was nearby, and he was often visited by his many friends and family," they said.
"Tom was always a fighter, surviving two bouts of cancer and even catching and recovering from Covid. His strong character and charisma were always part of his larger-than-life persona, a warm welcome would be given to those inside the big Top when he was there.
"In recent years he watched on with pride as his Grandsons, Tom and Jamie, stepped up and into the spotlight, following in his footsteps becoming a headlining act.
"Tom Duffy’s Circus carries the name with pride, a nod to the past and a beacon for the future. As we look now to the future without our namesake, we know that we shall strive to continue to make him proud, with advances in technology and innovation whilst maintaining a true respect for the traditional Art form of Circus.
"As is the wish of Tom all performances of his Circus this week will continue as scheduled.
"And as Tom often said 'The Show Must Go On'."
His funeral details will be released in due course.
