Gardai attempt to keep the situation under control at the Belly Wien circus on Esmonde St. Gorey. Pic: Christy Farrell.

The future of elephants as star performers in the circus was dealt a serious blow after a series of public protests in Gorey erupted into scuffles between protesters and circus staff that was brought under control by Gardaí at Esmonde Street last Saturday afternoon.

The leader of the protest was clearly distraught by the dramatic turn of events that had been ongoing since Thursday, when the German circus first arrived, and immediately called off planned protests for Sunday.

A spokesperson for the circus told The Echo that they are used to people protesting, but claimed that the Gorey protesters were the toughest that they have encountered so far.

Nadia Scholl from the circus said it always seems to be the same people!

There has also been a vilification of the circus on social media with some comments calling for the circus to get out of Ireland.

The international circus which has over 70 animals in its act arrived in Ireland about a month ago and has been plagued by protests resulting in small attendances and frustration for the touring company.

Full story this week in THE GOREY ECHO, who also visited the circus and reports on the general welfare of the animals.