Snooker legends from across generations gathered at Sheffield Cathedral on Thursday for a deeply moving memorial service honouring the life and legacy of John Virgo. The former player and beloved commentator, who passed away in February at the age of 79, was affectionately described as "part of snooker’s furniture and history" during the emotional tribute.
Snooker Community Unites in Tribute
The service brought together an extraordinary gathering of snooker royalty, demonstrating the profound impact Virgo had on the sport throughout his remarkable career. Six-time world champion Steve Davis led the tributes alongside fellow greats Stephen Hendry, Jimmy White, John Parrott, Dennis Taylor, and Ken Doherty. Virgo’s widow, Rosie Ries, was present to receive the heartfelt condolences from the snooker community.
Current stars John Higgins, Mark Williams, Shaun Murphy, and Neil Robertson—all preparing for the upcoming World Championship—also joined the congregation to celebrate Virgo's enduring legacy. The presence of both past champions and current competitors highlighted Virgo's unique ability to bridge generations within the sport.
Steve Davis's Emotional Tribute
Speaking to the Press Association, Steve Davis delivered an emotional tribute that captured the essence of Virgo's character and contribution. "We’re going to miss him dearly," Davis said. "A great commentator but a good friend to us all, he made you feel very special. We all thought we were friends with John because he had a great heart and he was funny, sometimes cantankerous but we loved him for that."
Davis emphasized Virgo's integral role in snooker's history, stating: "All in all, he was part of snooker’s furniture, he was part of snooker’s history and a wonderful commentator. He got the best out of every match."
Broadcasting Legacy and Big Break
While Virgo achieved significant success as a player—winning the 1979 UK Championship and reaching the World Championship semi-finals that same year—his broadcasting career brought him even wider recognition. His iconic catchphrase ‘where’s the cue ball going?’ became synonymous with snooker commentary, though his genuine passion for the sport truly resonated with viewers.
Virgo's broadcasting prowess included co-presenting the popular BBC show Big Break with comedian Jim Davidson. Airing between 1991 and 2002, the programme introduced snooker to a younger, primetime Saturday night audience. Davis revealed Virgo's own perspective on the show's significance: "John said that was his biggest moment in his career, not winning the 79 UK Championship but getting the phone call to go on Big Break."
Davis continued: "I think it helped another generation to appreciate snooker and he used that as a springboard to a wonderful commentary career. As Stephen Hendry said in the memorial service, when you looked at the rota and saw you were commentating with John, you were delighted because you knew it was going to be a fun day and a good day."
A Compassionate Friend
Davis shared a particularly poignant personal memory that illustrated Virgo's compassionate nature. Recalling his famous 1985 ‘black ball final’ defeat to Dennis Taylor at the World Championship, Davis revealed: "I was crying my eyes out in the dressing room and the one person who knocked on the door to commiserate with me was John Virgo. He had a big heart."
This anecdote highlighted the personal connections Virgo maintained throughout his career, demonstrating that his impact extended far beyond his professional achievements. The memorial service served as a powerful testament to how deeply Virgo was valued both as a professional and as a friend within the snooker community.
The gathering at Sheffield Cathedral represented more than just a formal memorial—it was a genuine celebration of a man who helped shape modern snooker through his playing, commentary, and personality. As the snooker world prepares for the upcoming World Championship, Virgo's absence will be keenly felt, but his legacy will continue to influence the sport he loved for generations to come.
