The iconic greasy pole event has been cancelled ahead of Marymass Saturday - while a special memorial will still be held for pole veteran Shammy Cooper.

Organisers announced the decision tonight blaming insurance being unable to be sourced and apologising for the late announcement.

A spokesperson said: "The Greasy Pole has unfortunately been temporarily suspended for 2022. Due to us being unable to source insurance for the Greasy Pole we have been left with no alternative but to cancel this event.

"We are sorry for the late announcement, we have tried out hardest to get insurance right up until late this afternoon.

"Join us at 2pm at the base of the Pole for a special memorial to the late Shammy Cooper. Shammy holds a record that will never be broken, successfully claiming victory over the Greasy Pole 26 times in 30 attempts!

"Our thoughts are with Shammys family this Marymass."

More on Marymass in next week's Irvine Times