More than six thousand people from all over Ireland descended on Mullingar today for the unveiling of a statue of Joe Dolan in his home town this weekend.
The Taoiseach, Brian Cowen, unveiled the life-size bronze statue of the Mullingar singer, who died last December after a short illness at the age of 68.
Speaking at the event, Mr Cowen described Dolan as one of Ireland's best loved singers and entertainers who "left the country and whole world a lasting musical legacy".
The unveiling was attended by fans, friends and family of the singer.