Morgan Hayes, from Rosbrien Road, took on 'The Hurricane' in front of a packed Limerick Inn 24 years ago, and this week paid tribute to the Belfast player, calling him "a genius".

Higgins died last Saturday, aged 61, following a long battle with throat cancer. Thousands are expected to line the streets of Belfast on Monday, as the two-time world snooker champion is laid to rest at Roselawn Cemetery, Belfast.

Morgan, now 58, was a star of the Limerick snooker scene for almost 20 years, and of the five world champions he played during his career, he reckons Higgins was a cut above the rest.

"He was a genius, no two ways about it," he said. "Higgins was the Tiger Woods of his time. In his prime he was something special. He put this game on the map. No modern player could capture his intensity or his focus when he needed it."

Morgan remembers the importance of playing Higgins, and the excitement around the city in the build-up to his visit.

"He was the talk of the town the week before the match, and he was the talk of the town for the week after. It was a rarity for a top pro to come to Limerick. These days, there are professionals every few months. He made a few visits in his time, and played against myself, Gerry O'Brien and John Flanagan."

Nerves were a major factor for Morgan on that night, so much so that it took a helping of Dutch courage to prepare him, a stark contrast to 'The Hurricane's' cavalier approach.

"I had to have four pints in Kennedy O'Brien's before I went to the game. I lost, of course!

"Alex on the other hand would have a glass of champagne in one hand, and a cigarette in the other. There was such an aura about him."