News

CASTLEREAGH Borough Council have issued the following statement with regard to George Best's funeral on Saturday morning:-

The funeral of International footballer George Best will take place on Saturday 3rd of December 2005. This event has generated considerable interest both locally and with the media. It is anticipated that a large number of people will wish to pay their last respects to the deceased and that many will converge on the Stormont Estate where a funeral service will be conducted.

There will be a family service at his parent's home in Burren Way in Belfast, after which the coffin will be transported to Stormont grounds by a police escort via Cregagh Road, the Knock Dual Carriageway, and the Upper Newtownards Road. The hearse will enter the Stormont grounds at the main gates. It will then proceed along the Prince of Wales Avenue to the Parliament Building.

There will be a commemorative service in the Great Hall that will be attended by approximately 300 family, friends and dignitaries. The Service will be relayed via 'big screen' and loud speakers to an expected audience in the grounds of the Stormont Estate.

After the service the funeral procession will proceed back down the Prince of Wales avenue and makes its way to the cemetery at Roselawn where a private burial will take place, via the Upper Newtownards Road, the Knock Dual Carriageway and the Ballygown Road.

The funeral arrangements will be coordinated by Castlereagh Borough Council and involve the: Best family, a number of Government Agencies, Wonderland Promotions, the PSNI and St.John's Ambulance / the Red Cross.

'I had the fortunate pleasure of meeting with George Best a few years ago and found him to be an absolute gentleman. He will be sadly missed by all in Northern Ireland and across the world. A true football legend. I am sure many will want to come and pay their last respects to George on Saturday. On behalf of Castlereagh Borough Council I would like to pass out condolences to the Best Family at this difficult time', Mayor of Castlereagh, Cllr Tommy Jeffers.