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FAREWELL TO A LEGEND
03/12/2005
TENS of thousands say one last goodbye to George Best.
GEORGE Best was laid to rest today as Northern Ireland bade a tearful farewell to a man who was, quite simply, a footballing genius.
Tens of thousands lined the rain-soaked route from the family home in Burren Way to the funeral service at Stormont Castle, spraying the cortege with flowers, shirts and scarves whilst warmly and spontaneously applauding as it drove slowly past.
However this was a family occasion and it is a credit to the Northern Ireland public that the Best family received the privacy they requested, both at their Burren Way home and at Roselawn Cemetery for the burial.
For many the most emotional moment came when George's 24-year-old son Calum struggled with his tears as he read Mary Frye's verse 'Do not stand at my grave and weep' followed by 'Farewell our friend', a poem handed to him on Friday night by a fan.
What a young man Calum has become. What courage he has shown these past few days dealing with the very public loss of his dear father.
George's sister, Barbara, fought back the tears as she paid tribute to her 'GB', a man she described as her super brother and hero.
Former team-mates Denis Law and Bobby McAlinden regaled the 300 family members, former players and dignitaries packed inside the Great Hall with stories from his playing days. Professor Roger Williams, his consultant, spoke of his treatment, his recovery and subsequent decline.
Pastor Roy Gordon and Dr. Akeel Alisa also addressed the mourners as did Master of Ceremonies, Eamon Holmes.
Tens of thousands lined the rain-soaked route from the family home in Burren Way to the funeral service at Stormont Castle, spraying the cortege with flowers, shirts and scarves whilst warmly and spontaneously applauding as it drove slowly past.
However this was a family occasion and it is a credit to the Northern Ireland public that the Best family received the privacy they requested, both at their Burren Way home and at Roselawn Cemetery for the burial.
For many the most emotional moment came when George's 24-year-old son Calum struggled with his tears as he read Mary Frye's verse 'Do not stand at my grave and weep' followed by 'Farewell our friend', a poem handed to him on Friday night by a fan.
What a young man Calum has become. What courage he has shown these past few days dealing with the very public loss of his dear father.
George's sister, Barbara, fought back the tears as she paid tribute to her 'GB', a man she described as her super brother and hero.
Former team-mates Denis Law and Bobby McAlinden regaled the 300 family members, former players and dignitaries packed inside the Great Hall with stories from his playing days. Professor Roger Williams, his consultant, spoke of his treatment, his recovery and subsequent decline.
Pastor Roy Gordon and Dr. Akeel Alisa also addressed the mourners as did Master of Ceremonies, Eamon Holmes.
Musical items - also moments of high emotion - were provided by Peter Corry and Brian Kennedy. That great footballing hymn, Abide With Me, brought a lump to many a throat but this was a day when that didn't matter. It was ok to cry.
Inside the grounds a crowd estimated at some 25,000 viewed proceedings on three large screens amid an atmosphere that was both respectful and uplifting.
Old friendships were renewed, stories swapped, memories shared while some children played football on the lawns and, in a fitting tribute, two balls were thrown onto the road beside the hearse and accompanied it as George made that final journey. No doubt he would have approved!
To the Best family, we thank you for allowing us to share your grief. We thank you for George.
To George, we just thank you.
Sleep well wee man, sleep well.
