He is fondly remembered as one of the greatest footballers to ever pull on the famous colours of Manchester United who also played at the Cricket Park

Standing l-r Derek McComb, Jackie Fullerton, Jim Platt, George Best, Billy Atkinson.
Front l-r ?, Dessie Dickson, Roy Coyle, Bill McMurdo (Bests agent), ? , Arthur Stewart — Standing l-r Derek McComb, Jackie Fullerton, Jim Platt, George Best, Billy Atkinson. Front l-r ?, Dessie Dickson, Roy Coyle, Bill McMurdo (Bests agent), ? , Arthur Stewart

Last Wednesday saw football fans remember one of Northern Ireland’s favourite sons who passed away. George Best, was loved by many and ten years after he died in the Cromwell Hospital at the age of 59 years of age, he is still remembered with great fondness.

The former attacking midfielder, who won two First Division titles with Manchester United as well as the European Cup, is widely remembered as one of the greatest footballers in history and in 1984 he gave the people of Ballymoney the opportunity to see his silky skills up close when he played in an exhibition match at the Cricket Park.

The game between a NW International XI and Ballymoney Select was an exhibition match with part of the proceeds going towards a new heart monitor at the former Route Hospital, Ballymoney and playing alongside George was Coleraine favourite Dessie Dickson, former Middlesborough and Northern Ireland keeper Jim Platt, Roy Coyle and BBC commentator Jackie Fullerton.

Gerry McAleese, a long standing committee member of Ballymoney United remebers the game well.

George Best reading the match programme at the Cricket Park

“I was always a big fan of George Best and had been fortunate to have met him on a number of occasions but it was really special to have him play in Ballymoney.

“There were huge crowds at the game at the Cricket Park and the club was coming down with people all wanting to meet him or get a photograph with him.

“I had a drink with him after the game but because we were so busy trying to deal with the huge crowd of people I forgot to get my photo with him or even to get an autograph.