Glowing tributes have been paid to the musician Joe Dolan by many political and musical figures. Mr Dolan died yesterday following a short illness.
Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism Séamus Brennan reflected on the versatility, popularity and enduring legacy of the late showman. "Joe Dolan was a consumate professional performer and entertainer, who over more than 40 years thrilled millions of people in Ireland and worldwide with his energetic and always memorable live performances, and also through his many recordings," he said.
Dolan was born in Mullingar, Co Westmeath, in 1939. His first job was with the local newspaper, the Westmeath Examiner, but after completing his apprenticeship he allowed his passion for music to take over.
His biggest hit, Make Me An Island, went as high as number three in the UK charts in 1969, and reached number one in 14 other countries.
Mr Dolan enjoyed fame for being the first western pop singer to play in the Soviet Union during the cold war. He performed in Moscow in 1978. His long-serving manager, Séamus Casey, described him as one of Ireland's greatest musical ambassadors.
Tony Allen of Foster and Allen said Dolan's death "will leave a huge gap in the entertainment scene". "He had a great voice . . . and a great personality both on and off the stage. He was a natural with people."
Earlier this year, Dolan endured poor health and was forced to cancel sell-out shows around Ireland as a result.
Fine Gael TD for Longford-Westmeath James Bannon said "a cloud of sadness hangs over the midlands after the sudden death of Mr Dolan".
"Joe's greatest passions were for music and country life and he always found time to give to others. He did some excellent work for charities . . . Joe will be sadly missed but not forgotten."