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05/01/2006
Best memorial given the go ahead
Plans to build a memorial for the late George Best have been given the go ahead at a meeting in Belfast last night.
The proposal received unanimous support from councillors who had already backed the scheme to recognise the outstanding contribution the soccer legend made to sport in Northern Ireland.
In order for the project to go ahead, it had to be endorsed by Belfast City Council and as no comments were made about the motion during the authority's monthly meeting, it was therefore passed without opposition.
George Best, a former European Footballer of the Year, is expected to be immortalised by means of either a statue or sculpture, which is rumoured to be given pride of place in the grounds of Belfast City Hall.
Ulster Unionist councillor Jim Rodgers, who has backed the creation of a memorial, believes that he knows exactly where it should be placed. He said: "Right at the front there's a circular area with grass and there's a number of memorials there, there's plenty of space.
"I think that would be an ideal location. I have got to stress it's entirely up to the Best family, we want to meet their wishes."
Mr Rodgers added: "George Best was an icon, he united our divided society here in Northern Ireland. He was the finest soccer player that Northern Ireland has ever produced and was one of the best in the world."
A spokesperson for Belfast City council has said that there has been no definite decision made as yet, as to how the footballing icon is to be remembered, and discussions will be held with the Best family.
He said that the council hope "to meet with members of the best family to discuss the most appropriate manner for which the council could recognise the contribution which Mr Best had made to the sporting life of Northern Ireland."
(EF/SP)
The proposal received unanimous support from councillors who had already backed the scheme to recognise the outstanding contribution the soccer legend made to sport in Northern Ireland.
In order for the project to go ahead, it had to be endorsed by Belfast City Council and as no comments were made about the motion during the authority's monthly meeting, it was therefore passed without opposition.
George Best, a former European Footballer of the Year, is expected to be immortalised by means of either a statue or sculpture, which is rumoured to be given pride of place in the grounds of Belfast City Hall.
Ulster Unionist councillor Jim Rodgers, who has backed the creation of a memorial, believes that he knows exactly where it should be placed. He said: "Right at the front there's a circular area with grass and there's a number of memorials there, there's plenty of space.
"I think that would be an ideal location. I have got to stress it's entirely up to the Best family, we want to meet their wishes."
Mr Rodgers added: "George Best was an icon, he united our divided society here in Northern Ireland. He was the finest soccer player that Northern Ireland has ever produced and was one of the best in the world."
A spokesperson for Belfast City council has said that there has been no definite decision made as yet, as to how the footballing icon is to be remembered, and discussions will be held with the Best family.
He said that the council hope "to meet with members of the best family to discuss the most appropriate manner for which the council could recognise the contribution which Mr Best had made to the sporting life of Northern Ireland."
(EF/SP)
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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.
16 April 2010
Best Foundation Kicks-Off Hospice Soccer
A Co Antrim charity soccer tournament is to be part of a living memorial to the late George Best. The NI Hospice, in association with the George Best Foundation, has kicked-off the charity cup competition for young people. The five-a-side soccer tournament, supported by Newtownabbey Borough Council, the Irish Football Association and U105.
Best Foundation Kicks-Off Hospice Soccer
A Co Antrim charity soccer tournament is to be part of a living memorial to the late George Best. The NI Hospice, in association with the George Best Foundation, has kicked-off the charity cup competition for young people. The five-a-side soccer tournament, supported by Newtownabbey Borough Council, the Irish Football Association and U105.
03 April 2002
Castlereagh honours famous son George Best
Northern Ireland’s most famous footballer, George Best, has received the Freedom of the Borough from Castlereagh Council. The Manchester United legend was born in east Belfast, and growing up he played football in the fields outside the Best family home in Cregagh.
Castlereagh honours famous son George Best
Northern Ireland’s most famous footballer, George Best, has received the Freedom of the Borough from Castlereagh Council. The Manchester United legend was born in east Belfast, and growing up he played football in the fields outside the Best family home in Cregagh.
19 April 2010
Northern Ireland Airspace Remains Closed
Flights from NI are again 'up in the air' today as travellers are being advised not to turn up at airports at all as UK airspace remains closed due to the Icelandic volcanic ash cloud.
Northern Ireland Airspace Remains Closed
Flights from NI are again 'up in the air' today as travellers are being advised not to turn up at airports at all as UK airspace remains closed due to the Icelandic volcanic ash cloud.
08 September 2008
Airport Sale May Be Bad News For Residents
Months of intense speculation over the future of George Best Belfast City Airport have now ended with news at the weekend that it has been sold. The Spanish Ferrovial Group, which has its headquarters in Madrid, which bought the airport for £35m in 2003 has now completed a deal to sell it to a new owner. It went for £132.
Airport Sale May Be Bad News For Residents
Months of intense speculation over the future of George Best Belfast City Airport have now ended with news at the weekend that it has been sold. The Spanish Ferrovial Group, which has its headquarters in Madrid, which bought the airport for £35m in 2003 has now completed a deal to sell it to a new owner. It went for £132.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
