Snooker Community Unites to Celebrate John Virgo's Legacy
Snooker's most iconic figures gathered today at Sheffield Cathedral for a poignant memorial service honouring John Virgo, one of the sport's true legends, who passed away in February at the age of 79. The service, arranged by 1997 world champion Ken Doherty and master of ceremonies Rob Walker, drew a crowd of 600 people on a first-come, first-served basis, reflecting Virgo's immense popularity both on and off the green baize.
A Star-Studded Gathering of Snooker Greats
The congregation included a veritable who's who of snooker history. Former world champions Dennis Taylor, Stephen Hendry, and Steve Davis were among the early arrivals, alongside snooker favourites Jimmy White, Ken Doherty, John Higgins, Cliff Thorburn, Shaun Murphy, and John Parrott. Virgo's widow, Rosie Ries, was also present, receiving support from the tight-knit snooker community.
Dennis Taylor, the 1985 world champion, spoke emotionally ahead of the service, noting the profound void Virgo's absence will create during this weekend's snooker finals. "Everyone is going to miss his commentary when the snooker starts this weekend. I know I will," Taylor said. "All his catchphrases like 'Where’s the cue ball going?' will be missing. It is not going to be the same." He added, "What a showman, what a commentator and what an entertainer he was. He had it all."
From Salford to Stardom: Virgo's Remarkable Journey
Born in Salford on March 4, 1946, Virgo's fascination with snooker began in childhood with an unlikely object: a broken snooker cue his mother used to unfasten an airing rack. He received his first snooker baize as an eight-year-old on Christmas Day 1954, draping the 6ft 3in surface across the family dinner table. His teenage years were spent honing his craft in a Temperance Billiards Hall in Manchester, though this environment also introduced him to betting on horses and greyhounds, a habit that would later cause significant personal challenges.
Turning professional in 1976, Virgo's finest triumph came in 1979 when he defeated Terry Griffiths in the 27th frame of the UK Championship. However, he later described this as both the "best" and "worst" day of his life, recalling arriving 25 minutes late due to a schedule change, being penalised two frames, and facing a booing crowd. "I was shaking so much I don’t know how I played," he said in a 2017 interview. Despite reaching a career-high ranking of 10 and winning the Bombay International and Pontins Professional titles in 1980, he retired from professional play in 1994.
The Voice of Snooker and Television Stardom
Virgo's transition from player to broadcaster cemented his status as a household name. Widely known as the BBC's "voice of snooker" for his commentary work, he also co-hosted BBC1's Saturday night primetime show Big Break alongside Jim Davidson from 1991 to 2002. The show achieved peak viewing figures of almost 14 million, with Virgo later crediting it with helping save him from financial ruin. "People were gutted when it ended," he recalled.
His success led to a range of waistcoats, books, apps, and pantomime appearances, while he remained a beloved part of the BBC's snooker commentary team up to and including last month's Masters at Alexandra Palace. Today's memorial service follows a funeral held for Virgo on St Valentine's Day in Spain, where he had lived.
A Personal Renaissance and Lasting Legacy
Virgo described his most provident moment as finally securing a date with publishing executive Rosie Ries after knowing her for two decades. "I was so frightened of a knockback, I didn’t ask her out for 22 years," he said. "But eventually we went on a date. I used my wit, charm and repartee on her and, blow me down, two months later we got engaged." The couple married in 2009, and Virgo is survived by Rosie, his two children from previous marriages, Gary and Brook-Leah, and a legacy that transcends the sport he loved.
As the snooker world prepares for this weekend's finals, the absence of Virgo's iconic catchphrases and vibrant commentary will be deeply felt, a testament to the indelible mark he left on the game and its fans.
