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25/11/2005
George Best 1946 - 2005
Footballing legend George Best was born on May 22, 1946 to parents Ann and Dickie. Raised in the mainly Protestant Cregagh estate in east Belfast alongside four sisters and one brother, Best was spotted at the age 15 by Manchester United scout Bob Bishop and given a trial in 1961 along with fellow Belfast boy Eric McMordie.
Despite both boys returning to Belfast homesick, Best went on to make his debut for the Old Trafford side just two years later, and would amass 466 United games, scoring 179 times. A year later he made his Northern Ireland debut and went on to make 37 international appearances, scoring nine goals.
His most memorable games came for both sides when, in 1966, he tore apart Benfica, then the greatest side in Europe, in a 5-1 victory. His performance, which included two goals, saw him dubbed El Beatle!
For Northern Ireland, he showed his brilliance numerous times but none more so than against Scotland in a Home International at Windsor Park on October 21, 1967.
According to reporters of the day, including Malcolm Brodie in a Belfast Telegraph article a few years ago, Best "mesmerised the Scots, took the game by the scruff of the neck and made it live in Technicolour".
However, his sparkling top-flight career came to a premature end in 1974, when Best was sacked by United for excessive drinking and persistent failure to attend training sessions and matches.
Over the next decade, he drifted between several football clubs including Fulham, Stockport County, Dunstable Town, Hibernian, Los Angeles Aztecs, San Jose Earthquakes and finally Bournemouth until he retired from the game in 1983 at the age of 37.
In between times he married his first wife Angie, who give birth to son Calum. However, they separated just eight years later.
He was to marry again, to air hostess Alex Pursey, who was 26 years his junior, however, this marriage would again end in tears amid accusations of violence, drunken binges and infidelity.
In 2002, he underwent a liver transplant after years of alcohol abuse however sadly just a year later he went back on the booze undeterred by medical advice that he could kill himself as a result.
Just over a month ago, Best was admitted to west London's Cromwell Hospital with flu-like symptoms. This is turn spread to his kidneys and other organs. It was to be the start of what was to be George's final battle.
Although alcohol was not directly related to recent health problems, Best would have been more susceptible to infection because he had been on a course of medication to suppress the immune system and prevent his body rejecting the new liver.
His death, although expected, has shocked the nation and while many will look at the years many thought he wasted, the majority of people will also remember the Belfast lad who went on to mesmerise the world with his footballing prowess and skill as well as determination and fight which also summed up his final days of life.
(MB/SP)
Despite both boys returning to Belfast homesick, Best went on to make his debut for the Old Trafford side just two years later, and would amass 466 United games, scoring 179 times. A year later he made his Northern Ireland debut and went on to make 37 international appearances, scoring nine goals.
His most memorable games came for both sides when, in 1966, he tore apart Benfica, then the greatest side in Europe, in a 5-1 victory. His performance, which included two goals, saw him dubbed El Beatle!
For Northern Ireland, he showed his brilliance numerous times but none more so than against Scotland in a Home International at Windsor Park on October 21, 1967.
According to reporters of the day, including Malcolm Brodie in a Belfast Telegraph article a few years ago, Best "mesmerised the Scots, took the game by the scruff of the neck and made it live in Technicolour".
However, his sparkling top-flight career came to a premature end in 1974, when Best was sacked by United for excessive drinking and persistent failure to attend training sessions and matches.
Over the next decade, he drifted between several football clubs including Fulham, Stockport County, Dunstable Town, Hibernian, Los Angeles Aztecs, San Jose Earthquakes and finally Bournemouth until he retired from the game in 1983 at the age of 37.
In between times he married his first wife Angie, who give birth to son Calum. However, they separated just eight years later.
He was to marry again, to air hostess Alex Pursey, who was 26 years his junior, however, this marriage would again end in tears amid accusations of violence, drunken binges and infidelity.
In 2002, he underwent a liver transplant after years of alcohol abuse however sadly just a year later he went back on the booze undeterred by medical advice that he could kill himself as a result.
Just over a month ago, Best was admitted to west London's Cromwell Hospital with flu-like symptoms. This is turn spread to his kidneys and other organs. It was to be the start of what was to be George's final battle.
Although alcohol was not directly related to recent health problems, Best would have been more susceptible to infection because he had been on a course of medication to suppress the immune system and prevent his body rejecting the new liver.
His death, although expected, has shocked the nation and while many will look at the years many thought he wasted, the majority of people will also remember the Belfast lad who went on to mesmerise the world with his footballing prowess and skill as well as determination and fight which also summed up his final days of life.
(MB/SP)
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09 July 2002
NI religious attitudes hardening
There is an increasing hardening of attitudes by both Protestants and Catholics towards living, working and learning together according to new research. The research conducted by the University of Ulster reveals that Protestants’ and Catholics’ perceptions of each other are becoming increasingly negative.
NI religious attitudes hardening
There is an increasing hardening of attitudes by both Protestants and Catholics towards living, working and learning together according to new research. The research conducted by the University of Ulster reveals that Protestants’ and Catholics’ perceptions of each other are becoming increasingly negative.
17 December 2014
Flight Diverted After Engine Fire
A Flybe flight from Glasgow to George Best Belfast City Airport was diverted to Belfast International after one of its engines caught fire. An emergency was declared at the airport as the plane was diverted, with fire crews and ambulances sent to the runway. It is understood that the plane was able to land.
Flight Diverted After Engine Fire
A Flybe flight from Glasgow to George Best Belfast City Airport was diverted to Belfast International after one of its engines caught fire. An emergency was declared at the airport as the plane was diverted, with fire crews and ambulances sent to the runway. It is understood that the plane was able to land.
26 November 2007
Promised Maternity Hospital On Hold
The closure of south Belfast's Jubilee Maternity Hospital seven years ago has so far failed to trigger a promised £360m women and children's hospital, which now looks like facing further delays.
Promised Maternity Hospital On Hold
The closure of south Belfast's Jubilee Maternity Hospital seven years ago has so far failed to trigger a promised £360m women and children's hospital, which now looks like facing further delays.
06 January 2010
Belfast's 2010 Business Awards Launched
UTV presenter Marc Mallett (pictured) is co-hosting the Belfast Business Awards 2010 in the City Hall this April. He has already begun the countdown for the awards with an appeal for local businesses to get their entries in for the 19 coveted accolades.
Belfast's 2010 Business Awards Launched
UTV presenter Marc Mallett (pictured) is co-hosting the Belfast Business Awards 2010 in the City Hall this April. He has already begun the countdown for the awards with an appeal for local businesses to get their entries in for the 19 coveted accolades.
20 July 2021
Three New Ryanair Destinations Added At George Best Belfast City Airport
Ryanair have announced three new flights from George Best Belfast City Airport, servicing Ibiza, Valencia and Milan.
Three New Ryanair Destinations Added At George Best Belfast City Airport
Ryanair have announced three new flights from George Best Belfast City Airport, servicing Ibiza, Valencia and Milan.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
