A book of condolences will be opened in Joe Dolan's home town of Mullingar today as family, friends and entertainment figures gather for the funeral ceremonies of the singer.
The body of Dolan (68), whose career spanned almost 45 years, will repose at Gilsenan's funeral home in Mullingar from lunchtime today.
The removal will take place to the Cathedral of Christ the King at 6.30pm this evening. It is expected that fans of Dolan from home and abroad will be in attendance.
The funeral Mass will take place at 11am tomorrow and he will be buried in Walshetown Cemetery afterwards. Westmeath County Council will open the book of condolences in the foyer of the county buildings from 10am today, and county council chairman Mick Dollard (Labour) will be the first person to sign the book this morning.
"We hope this is a fitting tribute to Joe, Mullingar's favourite son. Joe was a very popular figure in Co Westmeath," Mr Dollard said.
"He came from a humble background, but he never forgot where he came from, and he also did a lot of work for charity that went unnoticed. The book of condolences will remain open all day Friday and Saturday."
Dolan, who had cancelled some recent concerts due to ill-health, suffered a brain haemorrhage at his home in Foxrock, Dublin, on Christmas night and died in the Mater Private Hospital at about 3pm on St Stephen's Day.