The 'Hurricane' Alex Higgins has been lead to rest in Belfast after a funeral service at St. Anne's Cathedral. Thousands watched the horse drawn carriage make its way through Belfast City Centre to a service, where friends and family paid their respects. Snooker stars in attendance included Stephen Hendry, Ken Doherty, Joe Swail and Alex's personal friend Jimmy White.

The Dean of the Belfast Cathedral Houston McKelvey led the service, describing Alex as a person of prodigious talent, who had encountered two of the greatest temptations possible, fame and fortune and who had found it difficult to cope with both.

Inside the church Houston McKelvey read a tribute on behalf of fellow snooker player Jimmy White, who was understandably emotional, whilst outside the Cathedral thousands gathered. Unable to hear the service, they took the opportunity to share memories and to read the wreaths.

It was heart warming to hear the crowds share memories of a man, they did not personally know, but knew enough to love him and wish to honour his memory in their attendance. On Monday the 2nd August 2010 Belfast Remembered Their Own.

Last Updated: 2nd August 2010