Burial beside Reed unlikely

ALEX HIGGINS is unlikely to be laid to rest next to his friend, the late actor Oliver Reed, in Mallow in north Cork.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced, but a statement is expected today, amid speculation the two-time world champion had in the past expressed a desire to be laid to rest in the cemetery where Reed was buried in May 1999. The actor, who also enjoyed a hellraising lifestyle, was buried in Churchtown near Mallow, having lived in the area for a number of years.

Higgins attended his funeral and had been a regular visitor to Reed’s home.

A spokesperson for the Church of Ireland Mallow Union of Parishes said yesterday they had not heard anything of plans for the snooker player to be buried in Co Cork.