City set to say farewell to legend
PREPARATIONS are set to continue today as Belfast gets ready to say its final farewell to Alex "Hurricane" Higgins next week.
The city is expected to come to a standstill on Monday as thousands line the capital's streets for the snooker legend's funeral.
The 61-year-old, found dead in his flat on the Donegall Road on Saturday following a long battle with throat cancer, will be laid to rest at Roselawn cemetery following a service at St Anne's Cathedral.
Family members are expected to be joined at the funeral - tipped to be the largest in Belfast since the death of George Best in 2005 - by stars from the world of snooker, including one of Higgins's closest friends, Jimmy White.
It is believed the date was set to facilitate White, who could then be present after returning from Thailand.
Although preparations are at an early stage, it is believed the funeral service will be attended by the Lord Lieutenant of Belfast, Dame Mary Peters; Belfast lord mayor Pat Convery and Belfast councillors.
The service will be conducted by Dean Houston McKelvey.
Higgins's remains are expected to return to his sister Jean's home on the Donegall Road later this week following a post-mortem examination.
Belfast councillor Bob Stoker, who represents the area, expects the next few days to be an "emotional time" for local residents.
"The people of the Donegall Road and Sandy Row are very proud of Alex's achievements - he was one of the people. Even when he was rich and famous he still came back and stayed with his parents."
Mr Stoker also expressed his hope that, as part of his final journey, Higgins would pass the site of the snooker club where he showcased his blossoming talents.
"If it were possible, I think it would be appropriate that the hearse came down the Donegall Road past where the Jampot used to be, but that would be entirely a matter for the family."
Looking ahead to the funeral itself, the UUP man added: "I would imagine there will be a large turnout of people to show their appreciation to Alex for his achievements over the years.
"He was probably the first person to be classed as the people's champion and they still remember him for that. He never forgot his roots and never forgot he came from Belfast."
Higgins is survived by his sisters Anne, Jean and Isobel, his daughter Lauren and son Jordan.
The funeral is scheduled to take place on Monday, August 2 at St Anne's Cathedral at 11.30am.
- Last night, audience members at the opening performance of George Best musical Dancing Shoes, gave a one minute round of applause in Alex Higgins's memory.
The show highlight was said to be the bragging scene between good friends Best and Higgins in a hospital ward, which concluded with a wheelchair dance and the song We Had a Ball.
The News Letter's Liz Kennedy, who attended last night's show, said the scene had "brought many a tear to the eye" of the Grand Opera House audience.
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Weather for Belfast
Monday 13 February 2012
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