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Irish snooker legend opens up on being rushed for surgery after suffering 'unbearable pain'

Snooker star Ken Doherty was rushed in for surgery
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Snooker legend Ken Doherty had to be rushed into hospital for an emergency hernia operation. The former world champion started experience excruciating pain near his belly button earlier this week and it became so unbearable that surgery was required.

Dubliner Doherty wasted no time in going under the knife at a private clinic to alleviate the problem, which doctors told him was an umbilical hernia.

“I was in agony, the pain was unreal,” Doherty told the Irish Mirror. “I knew I might have a hernia problem because there was something protruding from my belly button.

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“But over the last week the pain just became unbearable and I knew I had to get to hospital quick.

“Thankfully the surgeon did an amazing job, but I’m pretty sore now. It’s going to take me a few weeks to recover.

“I’m staying at my sisters for the next couple of weeks, but I feel sorry for them because they’re already bored of my jokes.”

Doherty, 55, had been due to face Scottish potter Ross Muir in the first round of qualifying for the Scottish Open next Monday.

But the six-time ranking event winner has been forced to pull out of the event after doctors told him he can’t play snooker, golf or drive a car for at least a fortnight as he begins his recovery.

And the 1997 Crucible winner has also had to cancel any more forseeable commitments as he looks to get back on track.

“I’ve had to pull out of that event, the doctor told me I’ve just got to take it easy,” revealed Doherty.

“He told me the only thing I can do is lift a kettle, no heavy lifting or flying on a plane.”

Despite his discomfort, Doherty has not lost any of his trademark humour and joked: “The surgeon told me he replaced my six pack with a 12 pack!

“The hard thing is it’s painful when I laugh. I can’t play snooker, golf or laugh, so I’m stuffed for the next few weeks. I’m going to be a nightmare!”

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