Monster trucks, motorbikes, daredevil stunts and a lifetime in the entertainment business, it's all part of the world of Dylan Courtney, who joined Ollie and Dymphna on The Big Breakfast Blaa ahead of this weekend's Adrenaline Stunt Circus in Tramore.
For Dylan, performing isn't just a job, it's in his blood. A member of the legendary Courtney circus family, he has spent his entire life on the road entertaining audiences around Ireland.
The Extraordinary Circus Family
"I was brought into the circus under an elephant's trunk," he laughed, recalling the family story of his introduction to the business. "The first act I really remember was a horse-riding act with my brother and sister back in 2012."
The Courtney family name has been synonymous with Irish circus entertainment for generations. From Dylan's father to his brothers and sisters, the family has continually adapted and evolved, bringing traditional circus skills into the modern era.
Growing up on the move was far from ordinary. Schoolwork travelled with the family, friendships were made both in classrooms and under the big top, and every day brought a new adventure.
"I've literally been everywhere in Ireland," Dylan said. "That's probably the best thing about this life. You get to see the whole country, meet people everywhere and then go back years later and see old friends again."
A Reimagined Circus Model
This weekend's Adrenaline Stunt Circus is the latest evolution of that family legacy. Forget everything you think you know about the circus. There are no animal acts, no traditional ringmaster and no hiding behind the curtain. Instead, audiences can expect non-stop action from start to finish.
"We've got monster trucks, motorbikes, stuntmen, stuntwomen and monster truck rides. It's all-out adrenaline and chaos," he explained.
The show has been years in development, growing from the family's hugely successful Daredevil Circus productions into a dedicated stunt spectacular.
"We wanted to strip everything back and focus on pure entertainment. When people sit down, they can see everything. There's nowhere to hide."
Death-Defying Acts
One of the headline attractions is world-class freestyle motocross rider Wayne Jacobs, whose breathtaking tricks regularly leave even seasoned performers stunned.
"He scares me," Dylan admitted. "He's jumping 15 to 17 metres into the air, covering over 20 metres in distance and doing backflips on the bike. He's competed at Monster Jam events and took first place in Cardiff. He's an absolute superstar."
While the stunts may look terrifying, safety remains the top priority, with extensive precautions and safety procedures in place behind the scenes.
"Safety is serious business. You have to know you're going to be alright even if something goes wrong. Thankfully, touch wood, everything has gone perfectly so far."
Tramore
Visitors to Tramore may already have spotted activity along the seafront, where Circus Barnum has been entertaining crowds ahead of the stunt show's arrival. By Friday, the circus setup will make way for what the team calls the Adrenaline Arena, ready for a weekend of spectacular action.
The Adrenaline Stunt Show takes place on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th July along the Tramore seafront. Tickets can be purchased at the venue, but booking in advance online to guarantee entry and secure seating is recommended.
As Dylan put it: "Every day is different. Sometimes you're performing, sometimes you're fixing trucks, sometimes you're pulling them out of fields. I wouldn't trade it for anything."
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