It's 20 years since Ken Doherty conquered the world. Last night, the darlin' of Dublin was inducted into the RTÉ Sport Hall of Fame.
The cream of snooker paid tribute to the cueman, who overcame Stephen Hendry at the Crucible on the May Bank Holiday weekend of 1997 to win the World Championship.
A hugely respected and liked player, the tributes poured in for Doherty after he received the honour.
"When we travel around the world we're not only ambassadors for the game of snooker, we're ambassadors for our country and Ken is certainly one of the greatest ambassadors the country has ever had," said Dennis Taylor, the 1985 champ.
Six-time winner Steve Davis praised the Irishman's sunny disposition and attitude to the game.
"Even when he loses he doesn't get too down on himself and from my perspective you couldn't ask for something better than that. He's a lovely person.
"When Ken won the World Championship and beat Stephen Hendry he did it in such a style and with such panache. I'd have liked to have been there when Ken came to Ireland after winning it because I know full well, from my own experiences of going around Ireland in Ken's company, how well he's received by the public."
Hendry, the man he pipped to the crown, admitted it felt like fate was on his opponent's side. "His determination and will never to lose is good. He's got that will to keep going and going as long as possible.
"Sometimes you think it's just destiny and someone's year. Whatever I did in that final it didn't seem to be enough."
And Ronnie O'Sullivan aired his admiration, and a little envy.
"I've watched him come through the pro ranks and kind of grew up with him really. He's just a great guy, a solid person. He's got life sorted. I wish I had some of his qualities."
