Stormont service for George Best

Football star George Best is to be buried in Belfast's Roselawn Cemetery following a funeral service to be held in Stormont on Saturday.

Following a request from the Best family, NI Secretary of State Peter Hain agreed to the use of the NI parliament building and grounds at Stormont for the funeral service for what is expected to be one of the largest funerals ever held in Northern Ireland.

The body of the football legend will be flown to Northern Ireland later this week.

The funeral cortege will leave the Best family home in the Cregagh at 10am for the three-mile journey to Stormont where the service is expected to be relayed to screens outside.

East Belfast MP Peter Robinson said that while the final details of the service were being put in place, the use of Stormont would mean that the public could attend the service.

Following the service, the cortege will make its way to Roselawn Cemetery where the NI international's body will be laid to rest beside that of his mother.

Flags in the borough of Castlereagh, were Best was made a freeman in 2002, have been flying at half-mast.

The NI Secretary of State Peter Hain said he was saddened to hear of the death of the "iconic figure who never forgot his roots and there will always be a place for him in the hearts of everyone in Northern Ireland".

Expected to attend the service will be representatives of Manchester United and many footballing stars.

The Irish Football Association President Jim Boyce confirmed that he will be returning early from a UEFA conference in Cyprus.

A minute’s silence was observed at all Irish league grounds over the weekend in honour of the country’s greatest footballing legend.

A book of condolence, opened at Belfast City Hall, has been signed by hundreds who have queued in the wintry weather to pay their respects.

The CIS cup final has been postponed until December 10.



George Best 1946 - 2005



(SP/KMcA)