George Best, by James O'Fee

Yesterday I had to visit a local branch of the Ulster Bank, which is one of the four Irish Banks, under the Act of Union 1800, entitled to issue banknotes. There I found that the bank is to issue George Best banknotes, in the denomination of £5 - see here.

Perhaps Northern Ireland has run out of the scientists, philosophers and other worthies who normally have bank notes dedicated to themselves. Or perhaps we never had enough of them. Whatever the reason, admirers of the deceased twinkletoes have cause to celebrate.

After visiting the bank I made my way to the municipal Leisure Centre. There I saw Karen, a friend, who was leading a group from a local primary school. I got to know Karen pretty well in the last couple of years while we have been taking Italian evening classes together at the local technical college. Karen is married to Peter Corry, a successful singer who was chosen to sing at George Best's funeral at Parliament Buildings, Stormont, last year. Corry has a concert here on 9th December, which I hope to attend.