After Dinner Speakers: Ken Doherty, Loyd Grossman, Patsy Palmer

MARK Williams may have won the 2003 world title – but it was Dubliner Ken Doherty who won the hearts of millions. Doherty, the winner of the title in ’97, found himself involved in some of the most epic encounters ever seen at The Crucible as he beat Shaun Murphy 10-9, Graeme Dott 13-12, John Higgins 13-8 – leading the Scot 10-0 at one stage before Higgins staged a comeback to trail 10-7 – to reach the semis, where he came back from 15-9 down to beat Paul Hunter 17-16. Doherty then met up with Mark Williams in the final – a repeat of their UK final earlier in the season when the Welshman won 10-9 – and second time around it almost went the distance again. But after 132 frames of snooker there was no second world crown for Doherty as Williams won 18-16. It was a disappointment for Ken – but he still had the consolation of having reached the top of the world in 1997 when he proved to himself and his critics that he could produce the goods at the very highest level and beat Stephen Hendry 18-12 in the final to claim the trophy. Doherty thus became the first player ever to win both the world amateur and world professional championships. Hailed as a hero in Dublin and throughout Ireland, Doherty was given a rapturous reception on his return to Dublin with the world trophy. As well as that welcome, a further 55,000 cheered him on at Old Trafford, when he paraded the trophy on the ground of his favourite football team - Manchester United. Doherty's win proved particularly popular with local law enforcement in Dublin. Between 7pm and 10pm on the night of the world final, the main police station did not receive a single call to report a crime. It appeared that everybody in Ireland had stopped what they were doing to watch their hero! The 2001/02 season saw Ken reach the final of the UK Championship, and the Regal Welsh Open, the Irishman having to give second best to Ronnie O'Sullivan and Paul Hunter respectively. Once away from the snooker table, Ken's interest turns to football. As an ardent fan of Manchester United, he follows his team at every available opportunity. Doherty is also interested in art, music and opera. Ken lives in Dublin with his wife Sarah who he married in Australia in December 2001.