Georgie, the Belfast Boy

I wandered up the road this morning to pay my respects to a footballing great. The cortege passed my house both on the way to Stormont and then on the way to the grave. I have to say, I found it quite moving and emotional. I couldn't help thinking how difficult it must be to share the death of your father with an entire nation and possibly the world. George was by no means an ideal role-model to any of us but he obviously touched the lives of all he met. Anyone who speaks of having met him personally always tells of his great generosity. He gave time to everyone that wanted to say hello to him and later in his life devoted much of this time to raising awareness of alcoholism - a fact that is not often mentioned in the press.

Maradona good, Pele better, George Best