Snooker’s prominent figures gathered to honor John Virgo at a touching church ceremony. Virgo, known as JV, was fondly remembered in a solemn hour-long memorial at Sheffield Cathedral, nearly two months after his passing at the age of 79 in Mijas Costa, Spain.
Renowned players like Stephen Hendry, Steve Davis, Jimmy White, Dennis Taylor, John Parrott, and Ken Doherty were among the many well-known friends who attended the service, along with Virgo’s family, including his wife Rosie Ries and adult children Gary and Brook-Leah.
Steve Davis, a six-time world champion, expressed, “We will dearly miss him. A fantastic commentator and a dear friend to all of us, he had a way of making everyone feel special.
“We all felt a close bond with John because of his kind heart and humor, even with his occasional cantankerous moments, but we cherished him for that.
“Overall, he was a fixture in snooker, a part of its history, and a remarkable commentator who brought out the best in every match.”
The service was led by Bishop of Sheffield Pete Wilcox and featured a choir performing hymns and songs, including a rendition of the Beatles’ hit “Here Comes the Sun”. Other musical pieces included “There Is a Higher Throne” by Keith Getty, “Remember Me” by Bob Chilcott, and “Morning Has Broken”.
Taylor, Hendry, Parrott, and Doherty shared heartfelt memories of Virgo during the service, with Parrott mentioning that his friend is now “in the great commentary box in the sky” alongside Willie Thorne. Parrott described Virgo as irreplaceable, the ultimate professional, and confessed, “I will miss him terribly.”
Referencing one of Virgo’s famous commentary phrases, Parrott said, “Is there a gap… there is now, my friend.” He added, “Thank you for 40 years of friendship, camaraderie, and for enhancing our wonderful sport. Goodnight JV.”
Doherty, the 1997 World Champion, stated that Virgo had left an enduring impact on snooker and was the heart of their group, describing him as a mentor and significant figure in his life.
Hendry recalled listening to Virgo’s commentary at the age of 13 and later working alongside him as a co-commentator. He expressed his sadness at the loss, acknowledging the void left in both the sport and their lives. Taylor remarked, “Things won’t be the same.”
Virgo’s son, Gary, delivered an emotional eulogy in front of a large photo of his father, highlighting Virgo’s journey from humble beginnings in Salford to becoming a revered figure in snooker and television entertainment.
Brook-Leah, Virgo’s daughter, read a poignant poem at the service, reflecting on her father’s legacy and the impact he had on the sport and their family.
The funeral service was attended by several snooker icons, including former players Cliff Thorburn, Tony Knowles, and Peter Ebdon, as well as current stars John Higgins, Mark Williams, Shaun Murphy, Neil Robertson, Mark Allen, and Stuart Bingham.
Despite the absence of seven-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan, who expressed his deep connection to Virgo through World Seniors Snooker chairman Jason Francis, the congregation paid tribute to Virgo’s influence on the sport.
The commemoration was organized by snooker MC Rob Walker, who praised Virgo for expanding the sport’s appeal to a broader audience.
The service concluded with a reception at Sheffield Town Hall, preceding the start of the snooker world championship. Jimmy White, a close friend of Virgo for over 50 years, commended the service, emphasizing the honor of being present and expressing his enduring affection for Virgo.
Snooker enthusiasts were permitted to join the church gathering on a first-come, first-served basis, with fans like Phil Hudson and Jim Fitzpatrick paying their respects to the legendary figure.
