Fans delighted with 'Oor Alex' tribute

As we revealed in our last edition, the well-known Ulster Scots writer was approached by the Ulster Scots Agency to write the poem about the "People's Champion".

Wilson is now thinking about writing a poem about US Open golf champion, Graeme McDowell.

The tribute to the snooker legend, titled 'Oor Alex', will now adorn a special section of the bar, which has been dedicated to the two time world champion.

Speaking after Tuesday's reading at The Royal Bar, Wilson said: "Feedback about the poem has been very good.

"There were a few tears from the people in the bar when I read it out, but I suppose that's only natural, they knew Alex Higgins really well, and his passing is still hurting."

A total of 250 poster copies of the poetic tribute have been printed by the Ulster Scots Agency.

Fittingly, given its significance in snooker, 147 of these will be distributed free of charge to members of the public later this month.

The remainder will be given to staff at the bar so that those who visit the Higgins section can obtain their own copy.

Michael McCullough, Director of Corporate Services with the Ulster Scots Agency, said: "We are pleased to put an Ulster Scots mark onto a significant event which happened recently, and pay tribute to someone who was highly respected within the Ulster Scots community, as well as the community at large.

"It shows the language is being spoken now as it was over the decades and centuries before."

Wilson told The Times that he is now planning to write an Ulster Scots poem about Portrush golfer Graeme McDowell.

"I wasn't planning to write any more of these poems about people," admitted the talented writer.

"I have already written a poem about David Healy, which was presented to him last year. But to be honest, I would like to write one about Graeme, and his wonderful achievements."