Illness and Death
In 2005, his health began to decline. A hip replacement was required in 2005, putting him off the road for 12 months and leading to the discovery of Type 2 Diabetes which appeared to account for the low energy levels he had been experiencing. In a bizarre twist, following a discussion with Keith Duffy of the boyband Boyzone the hip bone which was replaced was signed and auctioned for close to €1000, the proceeds being given to Irish Autism Action. He returned to his schedule in 2006, initially with vigour but soon began to report further signs of low energy. Doctors diagnosed a low blood platelet count and he began a series of blood transfusions, After each he felt better for a period but always began to feel weaker again. He was also suffering from unexplained nosebleeds. In autumn 2007, on advice from his doctors he cancelled his Vicar Street concerts due to "exhaustion". On December 16, 2007, the front page of the Sunday Independent reported that Dolan was suffering from a "bad virus" and had been forced to cancel his entire Christmas tour. Joe Dolan's website was inundated with well wishes in the wake of the article, which was reproduced in several newspapers the following day. Despite the blood transfusions and other medical interventions he became weaker and was finally discharged from the Mater Hospital on 23 December 2007 in a wheelchair.
On December 26, 2007, Dolan was rushed from his home in Foxrock to the Mater Private Hospital in Dublin following a worsening of his illness. He suffered a brain hemorrhage en-route to hospital and was connected to life support equipment on arrival. At approximately 14:30 hours on St Stepehn's Day, surrounded by family and friends, the machines were switched off and Dolan expired within 20 minutes, never regaining consciousness. He was pronounced dead at 15:03 hours.
He was buried after a funeral Mass at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Mullingar on 29 December 2007.
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