United Praise As Higgins Pots Last Shot

As a book of condolence opened for snooker star Alex Higgins at Belfast City Hall today, there has been united praise for the Donegal Road 'hero', who died on Saturday.

Rightly labelled as a "flawed sporting genius" - like soccer star, George Best - East Belfast DUP MLA and Stormont Junior Minister, Robin Newton said he "has passed on leaving within our memories, snooker skills the like of which it is unlikely we will ever see again."

The former champion cross-country runner continued: "His skills and flamboyant style made snooker and there are many who are enjoying a lavish lifestyle that was built on the raw talent of Alex Higgins," he said, concluding, "another flawed genius goes home".

Alex Higgins was best known in his native Sandy Row/Donegal Road area and his local MP, the SDLP's Alasdair McDonnell said: "Alex Higgins put Belfast on the global stage as a world champion and made snooker a popular spectator sport because of his maverick style and the cavalier way that he played the game."

Mr McDonnell said that many players had been inspired by Higgins to take up the game.

DUP Sports Minister, Nelson McCausland, recalled the two-time world champion's whirlwind style of play.

"His style of play reshaped how snooker was played and his talent captivated snooker fans around the world," he said.

"Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time."

Alliance Sports and Culture Spokesman Kieran McCarthy said: "Higgins' life was not without its troubling times and it is deeply sad to hear of his passing.

"He will be very much missed by fans of snooker and people across Northern Ireland."

Higgins, who won the world snooker championships in 1972 and 1982, was found dead in his flat in the Sandy Row area of Belfast on Saturday.

He had suffered from throat cancer for ten years and he also suffered from a long-term addiction to alcohol.

He was talented but troubled. His drinking led him into conflict with friends and fellow professionals, most notably Coalisland born Dennis Taylor, but it is his talent on the snooker table that is remembered.

(BMcC/KMcA)