City centre tribute for Higgins
SNOOKER legend Alex "Hurricane" Higgins will make a poignant final journey through Belfast by horse-drawn carriage.
As details continue to emerge about the 61-year-old's funeral - scheduled to take place on Monday - it has been confirmed the coffin of the two-time world champion will be paraded through the city centre prior to a service at St Anne's Cathedral.
Leaving the home of his sister, Jean, in south Belfast, the funeral cortege will make its way along the Donegall Road and Sandy Row. It is expected to stop momentarily at Abbington Street, his birthplace.
Growing up in the area, Higgins showcased his raw talent in the then local snooker club - The Jampot.
After fighting a long battle with throat cancer, his body was discovered in his flat in sheltered accommodation in the locality last Saturday.
The horse-drawn carriage will then pass along Hope Street, Great Victoria Street, Fisherwick Place, Wellington Place, Donegall Square North, Donegall Place, Royal Avenue and Lower Donegall Street before arriving at St Anne's.
Thousands are expected to line the two-mile route in solemn tribute to the "people's champion" in a show of affection not seen since the funeral of George Best in 2005.
Like Best, a list of celebrities, including former and past snooker stars, are expected to travel to Northern Ireland especially to pay their respects.
The funeral service will be officiated by Dean Houston McKelvey, who has been making final arrangements with the Higgins family in recent days.
The family are expected to hold a private service prior to Higgins being laid to rest at Roselawn cemetery.
Close friend and former agent of Higgins, Will Robinson, predicted that Monday would be a "special day".
"It will be part of history," he said.
Commenting on the huge crowds tipped to line congregate in the city, he added: "I think it will definitely be in the thousands."
Belfast councillor Bob Stoker believes the horse-drawn carriage will be a fitting tribute to the ex-snooker player.
"It is appropriate given that Alex was always very fond of horses and once wanted to be a jockey himself," he said.
The UUP man, who will be attending the thanksgiving service along with fellow councillors, added: "I am sure the people of the Donegall Road will turn out in large numbers."
The cortege is due to leave the family home in Roden Street area at around 9.15am.
Police have advised motorists to avoid the city centre between 9.30am and 11.30am on Monday due to major traffic disruption.
Meanwhile, work has begun on a new mural to honour Higgins.
A picture of the snooker legend in his prime is being painted on a wall next to The Royal bar on the Donegall Road.
Higgins was a regular customer in the public house over recent years and lived opposite the establishment. A larger tribute mural already exists at Abbington Street.
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Weather for Belfast
Monday 28 May 2012
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