Westmeath County Council and Mullingar Town Council are pleased to announce that the commemorative sculpture of singer and entertainer Joe Dolan will be unveiled by the Taoiseach, Brian Cowen, on Sunday, December 7 at 2pm.
The sculpture was commissioned by Westmeath County Council to celebrate the life and music of nationally and internationally renowned Mullingar man Joe Dolan, whose untimely death was much lamented in December last year. The sculpture will be a life-sized, realistic, three-dimensional image of the singer, constructed in bronze by artist Carl Payne in association with Genesis Fine Arts, Mullingar and will be located in the centre of Mullingar Town on the Market Square.
Plans are currently underway to make this a gala event, commemorating and celebrating the life of Joe, his musical achievements, and his contribution to Mullingar town and to the lives of his fans everywhere. Having achieved many number one hits in Ireland and across Europe, Joe had a large following from all corners of the world.
Staff of Westmeath County Council are busy finalising the plans for the event with the Gardaí and the Dolan family. Others involved are making every effort to ensure that this is a special event, honouring Joe’s legacy - a day to be remembered for the many Joe Dolan fans expected to travel to Mullingar for this special event.
The Taoiseach will visit Mullingar to unveil the sculpture. He will be accompanied in the proceedings by Westmeath County Council Cathaoirleach Cllr Joe Whelan and Ben Dolan, brother of the late Joe Dolan.
Music and entertainment for the day will include a performance by the Mullingar Town Band, who will commence the proceedings shortly after 1pm on the day. Following the unveiling, there will be a performance by The Joe Dolan Band for approximately half an hour, of a segment of the award winning show – Joe Dolan, The Reunion Show.
Two large screens showing the proceedings will be placed in the town centre, adjacent to the Market Square, ensuring access to viewing for the large crowds expected on the day.
Since Joe’s untimely death in December last year, he has been acknowledged nationally and internationally for his wonderful contribution to the world of music and entertainment, and 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 of the legacy that Joe has left to the town of Mullingar. The unveiling of Joe’s memorial sculpture on December 7 is set to be a wonderful event and everyone is welcome to attend this commemorative day.
Certain areas around the centre of Mullingar will have no through vehicular traffic on Sunday December 7 from early morning until after the event. Diversions will be in place and all diversions will be signposted. For map and details see www.westmeathcoco.ie
