University Dolan played football for
NUI Galway while studying at the team's parent university. He was unable to play during the 2003
Sigerson Cup winning game as a result of a torn
hamstring sustained during the quarter-final.
Inter-county Dolan has been widely regarded as Westmeath's leading talisman throughout their ascension from GAA minnows to quality opposition. Despite the growth and promise demonstrated in their 1999 U21 All Ireland victory, Westmeath experienced their most successful GAA period of their history between 2001–2008. Largely due to virtually unmatchable talent in attack, Westmeath forced their way into GAA pundits' heads as upsetters and sometimes favourites. Two Division 2 league titles spearheaded by Dolan's attacking prowess and eventually, in 2004, Championship success in winning a
Leinster Senior Football Championship title finally showed the squad's promise. Westmeath reached three All-Ireland Senior Football Championship quarter-finals since the revamped championship system of 2001, with Dolan starring each season (2001, 2004, 2006). In 2013, Dolan expressed concern about the gulf in class that had opened up between the Dublins and Westmeaths. In summer of 2014, Dolan announced his retirement from inter-county football following the subsequent exit to
Cavan.
Club At club level Dolan won numerous underage titles and back-to-back senior titles in 2005 and 2006 with club, Garrycastle. His last competitive game was a
Leinster Senior Club Football Championship semi-final defeat to
Ballyboden St Enda's in November 2019.
International rules Dolan was regularly selected for the
Ireland international rules football team until the series was suspended in 2006. ==Managerial career==