Joe’s biography

Biographer calls for Joe memorabilia

People and Places
Michael Commins

THE official, fully authorized biography of the late entertainer Joe Dolan is to be released by Penguin Ireland in October of this year, and its author, journalist Ronan Casey, son of Joe’s manager, Seamus Casey, is looking for your help.
Joe always put his fans first. With that in mind, Ronan wants to hear from them. “Everyone seems to have a Joe Dolan story to tell, and I think it would be fitting that we include some of those in this lasting memento to a great entertainer,” Ronan told us.
Ronan is especially looking for photographs and memorabilia – from newspaper clippings or advertisements to concert ticket stubs and record sleeves – to include in the book, which will be the definitive account of the late singer’s life.
In the year before his untimely death, Joe was working with Ronan to write his autobiography. Ronan recorded hours of interviews with Joe reminiscing about his life and career, including fantastic stories from behind the scenes. He will combine these with interviews from Joe’s family, colleagues and friends to create a definitive account of the man, his music and his life.
Joe was one of Ireland’s most popular singers and entertainers. Amazingly, he is the only Irish artist to have a Top 10 hit in each decade from the 60s to the ‘naughties’. Thousands mourned his death last Christmas.
Joe was born in Mullingar, the youngest of eight children. Later, he and his brother, Ben, decided to form a band, the Drifters, to play the dance-hall circuit. Joe was the guitarist and lead singer. In 1964, Joe cut his first record, ‘The Answer To Everything’, which went straight to No 4 in the Irish charts. Joe had his first international break in 1969 when ‘Make me an Island’ reached No 3 in the UK charts and subsequently went to No 1 in 14 countries.
In a career that spanned five decades, Joe’s other hits included ‘More And More’; ‘It’s You, It’s You, It’s You’; ‘Good-looking Woman’ and many more. This book will honour his legacy.
Commenting on Ronan’s forthcoming book, Ben Dolan said: “I am delighted that this book will be the definitive account of my beloved brother, Joe. In Ronan’s hands, I am sure it will be a fitting memory to a much-missed brother.”
Anyone who would like to assist Ronan with some stories and memories, or perhaps some old photos or other memorabilia, can contact him at ‘The Westmeath Examiner’ in Mullingar or at rcasey74@gmail.com. All memorabilia will be returned safe and sound.


Mick Flavin set to play in Digger Jay’s

MICK Flavin is back in Mayo this weekend and will be on stage in Digger Jay’s, Ayle, Westport, on Friday night. The Longford singer celebrated two decades in the country music business last year, and he still retains a strong and loyal following in many parts of the country.
Mick has been a regular performer at the Digger Jay’s venue over the past few years. He and the band will be on stage around 10.45pm for a night of country dancing in Ayle.

Sean nós workshop

A sean nós workshop will be held in the McWilliam Park Hotel in Claremorris on Sunday, April 13, from 10am to 1pm. It will be conducted by Pádraig Ó Hoibicín from Connemara.
The workshop will be followed by an afternoon ceilí from 2.30pm to 5.30pm with the Michael Sexton Band from Co Clare. Proceeds from the venture are in support of the Western Care Training Centre in Ballyhaunis. Full details can be had from the hotel.