By Rory McKee
A LOCAL man behind efforts to celebrate the life of George Best 20 years on from his passing says he is ‘immensely proud’ to play a part in keeping the global superstar’s legacy alive.
Football collector and historian Darren Rafferty was the driving force behind a minute’s applause to honour Best ahead of Northern Ireland’s World Cup qualifying fixture with Luxembourg in Belfast in November, after approaching the Irish Football Association with the idea.
Darren, who has lived in Bangor since the early 1980s, has also donated his large personal collection of George Best memorabilia to the Irish FA. The items are on display as part of a special exhibition at the National Stadium at Windsor Park which is running until April.
It is the first exhibition of its kind at the stadium to showcase memorabilia charting Best’s life and career and has been visited by Best’s sister, Barbara, and her husband, Norman McNarry, who have given it their seal of approval.
“You only get one shot at a 20th anniversary, I wanted to do something in his memory and was in a position to do that,” explained Darren.
Darren recalled that during her visit, George’s sister was visibly moved by what she saw.
“Her eyes ‘lit up when she got inside,” he said.
“She said ‘my brother was the best footballer ever’ and it was touching to hear that.”
During the visit, Darren also asked Barbara to sign a copy of her 2011 book, George Best Will Not Be Playing Today.
Among the standout items on display inside the exhibition are George Best’s original Freedom of Castlereagh Medal, one of only 300 commissioned; a pair of 1970s era Stylo Matchmakers football boots endorsed by Best and a 1969 Scotland v Northern Ireland match programme personally signed by the late Ballon d’Or winner.
Darren has further helped uncover rare footage of a 17-year-old Best training with the Northern Ireland team at Bangor FC’s Clandeboye Park in 1964.
The footage, which was shared widely on social media, received a huge response.
It captures the old wooden stand at Clandeboye Park, as well as glimpses of the houses in Silverstream Crescent in the background, offering a unique snapshot of a young Best at the very start of his extraordinary career.
To book a place on the Irish FA stadium tour which includes access to Darren’s George Best collection, visit: www.irishfa.com/tours.
