A memorial service for late snooker legend John Virgo was held at Sheffield Cathedral on Thursday, almost two months after his death in Spain. The service, attended by around 600 people including family, friends, and fans, began at 1pm and was followed by a reception at Sheffield Town Hall.
Among the snooker greats present were Dennis Taylor, Steve Davis, Stephen Hendry, Ken Doherty, and John Parrott, who paid tribute to Virgo's decades-long contribution to the sport. Rob Walker, who helped organise the event, said it was important to acknowledge Virgo's 'half century-plus' contribution to snooker.
John Parrott, who gave a speech, said the upcoming World Championships at the Crucible 'will be a very different tournament' without Virgo, whose voice was 'synonymous with the sport'. He added that Virgo is now 'in the great commentary box in the sky with his good friend Willie Thorne'.
Ken Doherty described Virgo as 'the life and soul of our group' and 'like a big brother'. Stephen Hendry said his death leaves a 'huge gap'. Steve Davis read a Bible reading, and the Bishop of Sheffield, Pete Wilcox, spoke about Virgo's love for his home in Spain.
World Seniors Snooker chairman Jason Francis revealed that Ronnie O'Sullivan, who could not attend, considered Virgo 'like a second father'. The service ended with the choir singing the Beatles' 'Here Comes the Sun' and the closing hymn 'There is a Higher Faith'.
