Final farewell to Seve

THE final gallery. As the procession following Severiano Ballesteros’ ashes wound its way down the hill from his home, only the haunting wail of a piper’s lament punctured the seaside silence.

Everywhere you looked, black ribbons hung from Spanish flags as family, neighbours and stars bowed heads in grief. It was respectful but not entirely right and mourners knew it.

Suddenly, as Seve reached the little church in Pedrena, applause filled the air and even the hanging clouds appeared to part slightly. A ringing ovation was the only fitting farewell to the man who had engaged so many millions with his artistry.