Alex Higgins funeral

2nd August 2010. The funeral of Alexander "Alex" Gordon Higgins (18th March 1949 - 24th July 2010), also known by his nickname of "Hurricane Higgins", who was a Northern Irish professional snooker player who was twice World Champion and twice runner-up. Higgins earned the nickname The Hurricane due to his speed of play. Higgins was also a former World Doubles champion with Jimmy White and won the World Cup three times with the All Ireland team. Higgins had a reputation as an unpredictable and difficult character. He was a heavy smoker, heavy drinker and obsessive gambler who admitted to using cocaine and marijuana. He died of throat cancer, which had been diagnosed in 1998.

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[Visonu]

When they film Jimmy white at 0.37, the snooker player on the right is Tony Knowles

[MatthewDavidParr]

@pikewerfer Smoking that much is playing with fire, i'm a smoker, but only 20 a day, 60 is just asking for cancer.

[pikewerfer]

@LatinPercussion up to 60, unfortunately....

[steptoesaunt]

His daughter is Hot.

[converse91970]

I thought the Dean spoke a lot of sense, and Lauren Higgins spoke beautifully! Let's just remember Alex Higgins for all the entertainment he gave.

[feetinthewishingwell]

Apart from what the public will rightly remember him for, I will remember him as someone who adored his children, an avid reader, who could converse for hours about books and who had a high intellect. Despite outward appearances he could be like a little boy lost who hated being on his own - he craved company. He was funny, witty, very charming and he had a real empathy for those less fortunate than himself. May he rest in eternal peace.

[kerplunk001]

Thanks from a Norn Iron ex pat, for posting this newscast. Pity the BBC couldn't manage to do the same on their website, without it freezing up. Sad to see him go. Like him or loathe him, he was a legend , a gifted player and a character... things that the "Only famous for being famous" world, is sadly lacking.

[pauldo1970]

legend,1982 semi-final against jimmy white was a classic,alex always played better in the evening sessions after he had a few pints,they dont make em like you any more, no personalities in snooker its hard to watch that was never the case when alex was on R.I.P. mate

[Ampex196]

@Ietterposter I certainly do remember his hat!

You're absolutely right when you say that he brought millions of tv viewers to snooker.

[Ampex196]

Many thanks for posting this tribute.

The game of snooker and it's current popularity owes so much to Alex; it's sad that a few more high profile faces aren't visible amongst the mourners (thank you Jimmy W).

On the few occasions that I was privileged to meet him, he always came across as amiable, good humoured (perhaps even a bit vulnerable). Yes, I'm sure he did have quite a few problems to cope with: The phrase "There but for the grace of God...." comes to mind!

God bless Alex !