The snooker community united in Sheffield on Thursday for a heartfelt memorial service honoring the late John Virgo, the beloved former player and commentator who passed away in February at age 79. The service, held at Sheffield Cathedral just steps from the iconic Crucible Theatre, brought together a who’s who of the sport ahead of this year’s World Championship.
Virgo, a Salford native, enjoyed an 18-year professional career that peaked with a World Championship semi-final appearance in 1979, reaching a world ranking of 10. However, he became a household name after retiring his cue, joining the BBC commentary team in 1994 and co-hosting the popular TV show Big Break with comedian Jim Davidson from 1991 to 2002.
"John was a wonderful character whose voice was synonymous with snooker," said former world champion Ken Doherty, who attended the service. "The way he could draw a listener in, tell a story, and build the drama—that’s an art in itself."
The cathedral saw an emotional gathering of snooker greats, including seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry, Steve Davis, Jimmy White, Dennis Taylor, and John Parrott, alongside Virgo’s widow, Rosie Ries. Current tournament contenders like Shaun Murphy, John Higgins, and Mark Williams also paid their respects.
Outside, fan Jim Fitzpatrick sported a custom shirt featuring Virgo’s name and a snooker table design. "He was funny and didn’t take sport too seriously," Fitzpatrick recalled, echoing the sentiment of many who cherished Virgo’s warm, engaging presence.
Dennis Taylor, the 1985 world champion and Virgo’s commentary partner, highlighted his broad appeal: "John wasn’t only loved by snooker fans; people watched Big Break in the millions, and he did a lot of pantomime too. He had an awful lot of support."
John Parrott praised him as "a brilliant broadcaster and tremendous commentator, but a great friend" who "enhanced the viewing for anybody who tuned in." Virgo’s final BBC commentary aired in January for the Masters final, just 17 days before his death, capping a legacy that transcended the sport.
The memorial served as a poignant tribute to a man whose voice and charisma left an indelible mark on snooker, uniting players and fans in remembrance as the championship season begins.