Posthumous autobiographies of music legends Ronnie Drew and Joe Dolan are expected to top the bestsellers list this Christmas.

Both life stories, originally started by their subjects, had to be finished by family and friends following the deaths of both Dolan and Drew over the last 12 months.

First to hit the shelves next month is the official autobiography of Mullingar crooner Joe Dolan.

Publishers Penguin Ireland had commissioned Dolan to write his life story but he passed away at the age of 68 last St Stephen's Day following a short illness. The manuscript was completed by Ronan Casey, son of Séamus Casey who was Dolan's friend and manager for 47 years.

A publishing source said, "They always said there was no show like a Joe show and this book won't be any different. It's a real page turner and hopefully will remind fans of what a great entertainer Joe was."

Dolan became one of the biggest stars of Ireland's showband era while also enjoying international success around the world. He had a staggering 17 number ones in South Africa and once performed to 80,000 fans at a concert in Israel.

His last Irish number one was a duet with Dustin the Turkey in 1997.

More than 2,000 friends, family and fans attended Dolan's funeral last January, including legendary frontman of The Dubliners, Ronnie Drew.

The life story of the singing icon, provisionally titled Ronnie, is also to be published by Penguin Ireland next month.

Although begun by Drew himself, it's understood the manuscript was completed by his son and daughter,
Phelim (39) and Cliodhna (43).

Nearly a million viewers tuned into The Late Late Show last February to see Drew saluted by the cream of Irish music including Bono, Sinéad O'Connor and Shane McGowan as they performed charity fundraising tribute 'The Ballad Of Ronnie Drew'.

Drew lost his battle with cancer on 16 August 2008.

The autobiography is expected to feature much of the wit which Drew was renowned for in his life. In 1997, when told Michael
Flatley earned $1m a week in Riverdance, Drew was asked what he would do if he took in a similar amount?

"Work two weeks and then stop,'' was his reported reply.