Memorial for 'voice of snooker who transcended the sport' John Virgo held at Sheffield Cathedral
A plethora of some of snooker’s most famous faces arrived in Sheffield today to pay their respects.
The return of snooker to Sheffield began with a fond farewell to legendary player and commentator John Virgo on Thursday.
A memorial service to the 1979 champion who went on to be the ‘voice of snooker’ was held at Sheffield Cathedral at 1pm on April 16.
A plethora of some of the sport’s most famous faces arrived to pay their respects, while fans and wellwishers gathered outside to hear the tribute broadcasted on speakers outside.
John - known as Virgo or JV to fans and friends - died suddenly aged 79 at his home in Mijas Costa in Spain in February.
The memorial was arranged by 1997 world champion Ken Doherty, and snooker’s Master of Ceremonies Rob Walker, ahead of the championship kicking off at The Crucible this Saturday (April 18). John’s widow, Rosie Ries, also attended.
Famous faces at Sheffield Cathedral on Thursday afternoon included seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry, as well as fellow trophy hoisters John Higgins, Shaun Murphy, Dennis Taylor and Steve Davis. others included Jimmy White, presented Radzi Chinyanganya, Mark Williams and Tony Knowles.
John’s daughter, Brook-Leah Virgo, read a poem that was carried out across the cathedral square by the loudspeakers. It included: “’Where’s the cue ball going,’ we heard him call, with a twinkle in his eye as he loved it all.
“The waistcoat is hung up. The cue is hung up, he gave snooker his very best. His spirit will live on in every single play. The entertainer supreme. Rest in peace JV, our incredible dad and their incredible granddad.”
His son, Gary, told the gathering: “His gift for humour and mimicry began to shine. This talent for entertaining led to the next chapter [after his retirement], Big Break.
“My dad always insisted the success of that show was really down to the game of snooker itself and the players who came on.
“His catchphrases became part of the very fabric of the sport... At his core he only remained what he’d been from the very beginning - just a lad from Salford who loved snooker.”
Rob Walker, who helped organise the service, said: “It is absolutely incredible that so many of you have chosen to be with us here in Sheffield. He said Virgo opened up the sport to a whole new appreciative audience.
“John’s personality and wit lit up the sport we love for more than half a century. This is our final chance to say our goodbyes properly to a man who is gone but not forgotten.”
Virgo won four professional titles during his career including the 1979 UK Championship, however he retired from professional play in 1994.
As a commentator he was known and loved for catchphrases such as “where’s the gap? There’s always a gap,” and “where’s the cue ball going?”, as well as impressions of famous players.
He was later inducted into the World Snooker Tour hall of fame for his success on the baize and his work as a broadcaster.
During the broadcasting career which followed he was a co-presenter of ‘Big Break’ alongside Jim Davidson from 1991 to 2002 and worked as a commentator for BBC until shortly before his death.
The event was followed by a reception at Sheffield Town Hall.