Monday, is expected to see Belfast come to a standstill and the city bid farewell to snooker legend Alex Higgins. It has been announced that the service of remembrance will be held in St. Anne's Cathedral (Donegall Street) at 11:30am, followed by a family burial at Roselawn Cemetery.

Belfast has already noted its reflections and memories of the star in a book of condolence opened at Belfast City Hall, but many are expected to line the route, with fellow players such as Jimmy White expected at St. Anne's. It is believed that the funeral arrangements are being made by Alex's sisters Jean Simpson and Anne Brown (who nursed Alex throughout his battle with throat cancer) and his son Jordan and daughter Lauren.

There is much talk that this funeral will be the biggest in Belfast since George Best's service at Stormont in 2005, whether it is or not is of little importance, for most people whether at the funeral or not, feel an affiliation with Alex Higgins, his life, his way of living, his frailties and his mistakes, 'A Belfast Boy' to the very end.

Last Updated: 28th July 2010