Joe Dolan dies after falling ill on Christmas Day

Showband singer Joe Dolan died today after falling ill on Christmas Day.

The 68-year-old sold millions of records and had a string of hits around the world in a career which spanned four decades.

The singer’s management team said he had been with his family in Dublin yesterday when he was rushed to the Mater Private Hospital where he died just after 3pm from a brain haemorrhage.

The Taoiseach has expressed his sadness at his passing and described him as a big loss to the Irish music scene.

In a glowing tribute, Dolan's long-serving manager Seamus Casey described him as one of Ireland's greatest musical ambassadors.

“A most charitable and unassuming man, Joe often gave of his time and undoubted talent to support those less fortunate than himself,” a statement issued on behalf of the Dolan family and Mr Casey said.

The singer took ill on Christmas night and after being rushed to hospital he suffered a brain haemorrhage and slipped into a coma. He died with his family by his bedside.

One of a family of seven, Dolan is survived by his brothers, Ben who played in his band The Drifters, Paddy and Vincent and sisters Dympna and Imelda. His brother James is dead.

The Dolan family and Mr Casey added that they have been overwhelmed with expressions of sympathy and support and requested privacy.

Dolan had suffered an illness in the autumn and was forced to cancel tours on the advice of doctors due to exhaustion.

At one gig in November, Dolan was forced to stop after just four songs.

A string of other sell-out shows around Ireland had to be cancelled as a result.

Dolan was born in Mullingar, Co Westmeath in 1943. His first job was with the local newspaper, the Westmeath Examiner, but after completing his apprenticeship he let his passion for music take over.

A string of hits followed in the showband era of the 1960s and ’70s as he entertained fans across Europe and as far afield as Argentina and Brazil.

Dolan was also earned fame for being the first western pop singer to play in Moscow at the height of the Cold War in 1978.

His biggest hit, 'Make Me An Island' reached number one in 14 countries in 1969.

The song 'Such a Good Looking Woman' remained a regular feature on Irish radio plugging his gigs until his recent illness.