Snooker Legend John Virgo Laid to Rest in Spain on Valentine's Day
The funeral of snooker and BBC icon John Virgo was held in Spain on Saturday, February 14, marking a poignant Valentine's Day farewell to the beloved figure. Virgo, who passed away on February 4 at the age of 79, was remembered by friends and colleagues from the snooker world, including professional player Shaun Murphy.
Tributes Flow from Snooker Community
Shaun Murphy attended the service in Spain and shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, posting a picture of Virgo's memorial card on a beach with the caption: "Goodnight JV." This gesture highlighted the deep respect and affection within the snooker community for Virgo, whose career spanned 18 years as a professional player before he became a renowned BBC commentator.
Virgo's achievements in snooker were significant, including winning the UK Championship by defeating Terry Griffiths and reaching the semi-finals of the World Championship in the same year. His other notable victories encompass the 1980 Bombay International, the 1980 Pontins Professional, and the 1984 Professional Snooker League, cementing his legacy in the sport.
Upcoming Memorial Service in Sheffield
A separate memorial service is scheduled to take place at Sheffield Cathedral on April 16, offering snooker fans an opportunity to pay their respects. The event, arranged by 1997 world champion Ken Doherty and MC Rob Walker, will occur ahead of the Champions' Dinner that evening. In an open invitation, organizers encouraged anyone wishing to honor Virgo to join the snooker community at the cathedral at 1 pm for a celebration of his life.
Following the news of his passing, tributes poured in from across the snooker world. Jason Francis, chairman of World Seniors Snooker, announced Virgo's death on the Snooker Legends X account, describing him as "an amazingly loyal friend" and emphasizing his impact on the sport. Francis noted that Virgo was "doing what he loved to do right up until the end, entertaining everyone," and highlighted his unique ability to connect with audiences through his commentary.
Heartfelt Messages from Fellow Players
Other snooker stars expressed their condolences publicly. Mark Selby wrote on X: "So sad to hear the news of the passing of John Virgo!!! Such a great guy and a huge character!! He will be greatly missed! RIP JV." Neil Robertson added, "He was a great character and an amazing pundit and commentator," recalling a shared commentary booth experience during the World Championship that gave him a "huge appreciation" for Virgo's talent.
These tributes underscore the widespread admiration for Virgo, not only as a skilled player but also as a charismatic broadcaster who left an indelible mark on snooker. His passing has been felt deeply, with Robertson noting the recent loss of "some great people of our game," reflecting a period of mourning within the sport.
The dual ceremonies—the intimate funeral in Spain and the upcoming public memorial in Sheffield—provide avenues for fans and colleagues to commemorate Virgo's life and contributions. As the snooker world continues to grieve, these events serve as a testament to his enduring influence and the fond memories he created for many.
