John Virgo's son and daughter pay touching eulogies to beloved father at snooker legend's memorial

Callum Vurley
Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:27:56 +0000

Snooker's biggest names gathered in Sheffield today to bid farewell to John Virgo, the beloved player and commentator who passed away suddenly at his Spanish home in February at the age of 79.

The memorial service took place at Sheffield Cathedral this afternoon, just a stone's throw from the Crucible Theatre where this year's World Championship begins on Saturday.

It was a fitting tribute to a man whose voice became synonymous with the sport he loved.

Virgo's widow, Rosie Ries, attended alongside a remarkable turnout of snooker royalty, while fans and wellwishers lined up outside the cathedral to hear the service broadcast through loudspeakers.

The event was organised by 1997 world champion Ken Doherty and snooker's Master of Ceremonies Rob Walker.

Gary, Virgo's son, delivered a heartfelt eulogy that moved the congregation deeply. He spoke of his father's humble origins in Salford and his passion for Manchester United, though it was snooker that truly captured his heart.

Reflecting on his dad's television career, Gary said: "His gift for humour and mimicry began to shine. This talent for entertaining led to the next chapter - 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."

He added: "At his core, he only remained what he'd been from the very beginning - just a lad from Salford who loved snooker."

The eulogy prompted a spontaneous burst of applause from those gathered.

Brooke-Leah, Virgo's daughter, then read a moving poem incorporating her father's famous catchphrases: "Where's the cue ball going we heard him call with a twinkle in his eye as he loved it all."

The cathedral welcomed an extraordinary gathering of snooker legends. Seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry was there, alongside fellow greats Steve Davis, Dennis Taylor, Jimmy White and John Higgins.

Shaun Murphy, Mark Williams, Neil Robertson, Mark Allen and John Parrot also attended, with presenter Radzi Chinyanganya and Tony Knowles among the congregation.

One notable absence was Ronnie O'Sullivan, though World Seniors Snooker chairman Jason Francis explained the depth of his connection to Virgo.

"John was like a second father to him," Francis revealed. "I witnessed in Spain his grief at losing JV."

Dennis Taylor, a long-time friend of Virgo, joined fellow Canadian legend Cliff Thorburn in paying their respects to a man who had touched so many lives in the sport.

Ken Doherty, who helped arrange the service alongside Rob Walker, described Virgo as a "wonderful character" whose voice was "synonymous with snooker."

Walker addressed the congregation from the altar, expressing his gratitude for the turnout: "It is absolutely incredible that so many of you have chosen to be with us here in Sheffield."

He praised Virgo's lasting impact on the game: "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."

Around 600 fans were able to attend the cathedral service, with a reception following at Sheffield Town Hall featuring drinks and canapes.

Virgo's final BBC commentary came just 17 days before his death, covering the 2026 Masters final in January.