Jim Donnelly’s Cause of Death Revealed as Ronnie O’Sullivan Leads Emotional Tributes to His Trailblazing Former Coach.

Jim Donnelly’s Cause of Death Revealed as Ronnie O’Sullivan Leads Emotional Tributes to His Trailblazing Former Coach.

 

 

 

Legendary Scottish snooker figure Jim Donnelly has died at the age of 79, plunging the snooker world into mourning and prompting heartfelt tributes from current stars, including seven-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan. Donnelly passed away on 24 February 2026 at Glasgow Royal Infirmary after a period of declining health. According to reports, he died peacefully in hospital in Glasgow; while official details on the specific medical cause have not been disclosed by his family or representatives, it was clear in public statements that he had been unwell prior to his death and had spent his final days under medical care.

Born on 13 June 1946 in Edinburgh, Scotland, Donnelly was a pioneering figure in the sport who helped lay the foundations for modern Scottish snooker. He first made history in 1982 by becoming the first Scottish professional to qualify for and compete at the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield — a milestone that cemented his place in the game’s history. While he lost his Crucible debut to legendary champion Ray Reardon, Donnelly’s presence on the world stage opened doors for future generations of Scottish players.

Over a professional career spanning from the early 1980s to the mid-1990s, Donnelly achieved a peak world ranking of 29th and reached the final of the 1987 Scottish Professional Championship. However, his greatest influence on the sport came not from tournament wins but from his role as a coach and mentor. After retiring from full-time professional competition in 1997, Donnelly devoted himself to developing young talent across Scotland, helping nurture and refine the skills of future champions, including John Higgins and Alan McManus.

News of his passing was met with an outpouring of respect and emotion from across the snooker community. Ronnie O’Sullivan, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the sport’s history, led the reaction with a tribute reflecting Donnelly’s profound influence. O’Sullivan described his former coach’s impact on the game and spoke about the inspiration Donnelly provided both on and off the table, highlighting how his passion and dedication helped shape Alan McManus and other Scottish players’ careers. Although O’Sullivan and Donnelly came from different generations and never had a long direct coaching relationship, O’Sullivan acknowledged the enormous legacy Donnelly left behind — a legacy that helped inspire a culture of excellence within Scottish snooker.

Fellow professionals, officials, and fans also took to social media to honour Donnelly’s memory. Six-time world champion Stephen Hendry, long-time friend and contemporary, remembered Donnelly as a pioneer whose quiet leadership helped elevate Scottish participation at the highest levels. The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) chairman Jason Ferguson released a statement expressing deep sorrow at the loss of a respected figure whose contributions to the sport would never be forgotten.

For many in the snooker world, Jim Donnelly was more than a player or coach — he was a trailblazer whose influence transcended results and trophies, leaving an enduring legacy in the hearts of players and fans alike.