“When you come to town, don’t forget to call to see Joe,” an emotional Ben Dolan told the thrilled crowds who attended the unveiling of the life-size statue of their beloved Joe Dolan.
Mullingar rocked to the voice of Joe Dolan one more time on Sunday, when Taoiseach Brian Cowen unveiled the memorial sculpture to Joe. In what proved to be an emotional and celebratory afternoon, thousands flocked to the Market Square, Mullingar to witness the unveiling and to watch a segment of the Joe Dolan Reunion Show on giant screens erected on the main street.
It was a bittersweet time for family members as they recalled their brother with sadness and appreciated the great love and support shown to them and him by his loyal fans.
The legendary singer’s sister Dympna Fitzgerald travelled from England for the celebration and said she found it “very sad”. “I’ve been looking for tissues to wipe my eyes all the time.”
She was touched and amazed to hear the crowds answer “We do!” as the voice of Joe rang out singing, “Do you love me, really love me as I love you?”
Mrs Fitzgerald said it was “absolutely wonderful to see how well-loved the brother she had always considered ‘just Joe’ really was.
“They’re so wonderful, the people. I can’t find words to express my feeling when I look around and see them clapping and singing.”
She said she would love to be able to climb to the top of Market House to call out her thanks to the huge and enthusiastic audience.
Brother Ben, member of the Joe Dolan band, was one of those providing the music on the stage under the big screen showing superstar Joe perform some of his greatest hits live.
He said it wasn’t easy to do their show “with Joe over here, standing beside us. But I’m glad we did it. It’s good for Joe and for all Joe’s friends.”
Ben added that the statue was a very good likeness and that he was very pleased with the event.
Finally, Joe’s brother Peter, immortalised in photos in the national press with his arm around the bronze statue, waving at the thousands of fans, had these poignant words to say about the much lamented singer:
“No matter when we ever met, Joe always put his arms around me and I around him. We always had a little hug together. Joe was a wonderful guy. You couldn’t say enough about him.”
The afternoon commenced with Cllr Michael Dollard, Cathaoirleach of Mullingar Town Council hosting a reception for the Dolan Family and guests. The Mullingar Town Band entertained the gathering crowd with a selection of famous Joe Dolan hits until the Taoiseach arrived.
Official proceedings kicked off with Patricia Gibney, of Westmeath County Council, MC for the afternoon, introducing Cllr Joe Whelan Cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council who formally welcomed everyone to Mullingar. In his speech he spoke of the day as being “bittersweet, a moment to reflect and to celebrate” the life and times of Joe Dolan. He spoke of Mullingar Town Council and Westmeath County Council meeting with the Dolan family to determine the best way to honour Joe’s memory on behalf of the people and how it was agreed to erect a memorial sculpted in his image, here in the heart of Mullingar, his hometown. He thanked Carl Payne and Genesis Fine Arts who sculpted the memorial.
Then Mr Cowan addressed the crowd giving an outline of Joe’s career and mentioning some of his hits, stating, “His loss to the music sector is much lamented by his many fans everywhere. Every effort is being made to make this a day to remember and fitting for the legacy that Joe has left to the town of Mullingar.”
The Taoiseach then invited Ben Dolan to assist him in the official unveiling of the sculpture. The crowd erupted in applause as the image was unveiled and beamed up on the large screens, while The Mullingar Town Band spontaneously played “Westmeath Bachelor”.
Ben Dolan emotionally thanked everyone saying “as a family we are so proud the people of Mullingar have worked so hard to pay tribute to Joe.”
Fr Joe Gallagher, ADM of Mullingar Parish then carried out the blessing of the statue before the official proceedings were brought to a close. Patricia Gibney thanked everyone associated with making the event a success and in particular thanked Mr Cowen, the Dolan Family, and The Mullingar Town Band.
She also thanked the large crowd for their attention and enthusiasm saying that because of them Joe Dolan would never be forgotten and his image now remains for all to see – in the heart of Mullingar, his hometown.
Tears then flowed freely among many of those in the crowd, as strains of “O Holy Night” sung by Joe Dolan, accompanied by the Mullingar Cathedral Choir filled the Square.
However a carnival atmosphere took over when the Dolan Band took to the stage and Joe Dolan’s image filled the huge screens. The crowd joined in singing, waving scarves and ties, and dancing in the street.
A fitting tribute indeed to a local star and now a local legend, Joe Dolan.
