Virgo, who won the UK Championship in 1979, enjoyed a long and storied career but was perhaps best known for his work as a broadcaster.
He was an established part of the BBC’s snooker coverage as a commentator, famous for his catchphrase “Where’s the cue ball going?”.
Widespread tributes from across the sport and beyond have been paid to Virgo, including from Antrim man Allen.
Writing on X, alongside a black-and-white image of the snooker great, the 39-year-old said: “Truly awful news. Thoughts with all John’s family and friends. One of the nicest men you could ever wish to meet.”
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Virgo was also well known for his role on the 1990s snooker show Big Break and was a regular on the exhibition circuit with his vast array of trick shots.
Former world champion John Parrott worked alongside Virgo in the BBC commentary box and said he “transcended the sport” and “loved a joke”.
He told BBC Sport: “John was a tremendous competitor and a very good break-builder, brilliant among the pink and black. He knew the game inside and out and backwards.
“Then he transcended the sport and went into the commentary box. He did Big Break with Jim Davidson, so he became a household name to everybody.
John Virgo during the 1987 World Championship. Picture: Getty Images
“It was that voice which was very different to everyone else and made him stand out. You could have a right laugh with him. He loved a joke. He was a brilliant character.”
Virgo also had a number of other Northern Irish admirers during his career, including former world champion Alex Higgins, with George Best also regularly watching the Manchester United fan practise at his local snooker club in Salford.
Virgo spent 18 years as a professional and reached the World Championship semi-finals in 1979.
On that occasion, Virgo lost to NI snooker legend Dennis Taylor, later going on to become commentary colleagues with the Co Tyrone man and also close friends.
However, Virgo would get his revenge over the NI man when he beat him in the semi-final of the 1979 UK Championship, which he would go on to win.
Antrim’s Mark Allen
Virgo retired in 1994 and was later inducted into the World Snooker Tour hall of fame for his success on the baize and his work as a broadcaster.
The news of his death led to tributes from those on whom he left an indelible mark.
“Everyone at World Snooker Tour is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of legendary snooker player and broadcaster John Virgo, aged 79,” a WST statement read.
“Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, JV.”
Jason Francis, chairman of World Seniors Snooker, announced the “heart-breaking” news of Virgo’s death in Spain in a post on the Snooker Legends account on X.
“JV was doing what he loved to do right up until the end, entertaining everyone,” he said. “Such an important person in my life but in our sport in general.
“An amazingly loyal friend to me, and someone you felt was sat with you at the match when he was commentating on TV.
“Hard to take this one…one great person who touched so many lives and loved the game. We will never forget you bud. RIP JV.”