Past Pupils Remember George
Message from Maureen McBurney - former pupil
| I had been placed in detention for not wearing the correct school uniform where George was in charge being a prefect. He asked me why I was there and on hearing my embarrassing story he let me go home. That was the only time I spoke to him yet I have never forgotten his kindness to me. I feel like I have known him all my life. He was a lovely person and I am better for knowing him even if it was only briefly. |
Message from Colin McIlwaine - Principal, Castle High School
I remember standing on the terraces at Cliftonville F C's ground watching the Schools' FA Final in the mid sixties when it was pointed out that George Best and his dad were also watching the match. Having located George's position in the ground a few friends and I positioned ourselves beside George and his dad. After engaging in a brief conversation with George we asked for his autograph. George politely signed autographs for us and we moved away to allow him and his dad enjoy the remainder of the match. Little did I know at that time that I would eventually end up teaching for around 18 years at What super memories George has given football fans the world over. Remember him for these. |
Message from Marlene/Margaret McNeill - now living in Canada
Others call him Bestie, I called him Geordie. He was my buddie almost upon entering Lisnasharragh in the second grade. I expect he was also new at that time having left Grosvenor High. We both liked track and field. I had been a great netball player in my previous school, but the chosen few at Lisnasharragh would never pass me a ball. George was not like that, and he gave me great encouragement to get into field hockey instead. I was bully off, and skinny as I was there were few who could take the ball from me. My friend George was often there cheering me on as I acquired many bumps and bruises.
My previous education was not to the standard of Lisnasharragh, but when it came to new subjects, I was right in there. George Best gave me much encouragement as we stood in the halls of the school. I had 199 questions right out of 200 in final shorthand, and Geordie was fighting with me that my mark should be rounded up to 100%. George also encouraged me and trained me in track and field. With his help, I became above average, especially in long jump - but I could never manage anything more than a sizzors high jump because I hadn't been taught properly in the first place. With his training, I could still go quite high. I recall George taking a terrible fall in high jump that may have injured his back.
I didn't know that George Best was a soccer player; he never bragged of it. We just talked about what we were studying, teachers, girls he like, etc. It is realized now that it's why the skinny little guy in short pants with his hair licked down with Brylcream was accepted by the big boys. To me he was nothing less than a lovely young lad, and too short (and young) for me accept his requests for a date. Her name escapes me - perhaps Kathleen - but I remember that his date to his last prefect part was a very pretty young lady, a good scholar, and reserved - all that George was.
While others remember a famous/infamous soccer player, I mourne for a lovely wee fellow who befriended me when it was most needed. |