Best bits of George’s life go into new hotel
A RANGE of unseen memorabilia from George Best’s career will go on display in the new hotel named after him, it was announced last night.
A Northern Ireland football jersey signed by Sir Alex Ferguson will be among a number of items secured for the George Best Hotel in Belfast.
The €17million property is due to open in December with the Manchester United legend’s sister and brother-in-law Barbara and Norman Mcnarry agreeing to lend the memorabilia.
The hotel’s general manager Damian Gilvary and head of sales Gareth Milligan travelled to a secret location to view the items and personal effects of the legendary player that will be on display.
Mr Gilvary said: “It was a very surreal and amazing experience to see all of these incredible items Barbara and
Norman have agreed to share Photo of Best is included
with
the hotel and guests. It was very overwhelming to meet the people who knew George so well and being able to discuss and touch George’s personal effects, possessions, clothes and diaries.
“This just merely enhances the exciting prospect and vision of what the George Best Hotel will be, simply the best. George Best was the David Beckham of his day.
“Even back then he was a worldwide brand that defined the celebrity status of a footballer renowned for his looks, sense of fashion and style.
“But most of all he left Eric with fan Sean Pat Donnelly a legacy in football that will never be forgotten. Even Pele described him as ‘the greatest player in the world’.”
The exciting project is a joint venture between Lawrence and Katie Kenwright’s Liverpool-based Signature Living Hotel Group and the family of George.
The collection will include:
■ A bespoke painting of Best
■ Northern Ireland jersey signed by Sir Alex, Northern Irish broadcaster Eamonn Holmes, snooker champion Alex Higgins and many others
■ The first George Best Ulster Bank £5 note
■ Pieces of his most famous clothing
■ His personal book collection
■ Awards
■ Diaries
■ Trophies, and
■ Unseen photos.
The Belfast hotel will open in December
How much the new hotel housing Best’s memorabilia will cost