Official Launch of George Best £5 Bank Note

25 November 2006

The following is a transcript of Barbara's speech at the official launch of the Ulster Bank commemorative George Best £5 bank note.

"It is difficult to believe that we are rapidly approaching the first anniversary of my brother George's death. The tragic events of last year are etched in our minds as if they happened only just recently. This time last year George was actually out of the ICU and making a little bit of progress, raising our hopes ever so slightly. However this was very short lived and little did we know what lay ahead. George's death was by far the most traumatic time of our lives and the impact was felt not just by us but by people from all over the world, and in particular by the people of Ireland both north and south.

It has been a hard year trying to deal with our personal emotions, whilst at the same time ensuring that the outpouring of support and passion given by the general public in such abundance was not ignored or wasted. Hence the establishment of the George Best Foundation with its twin aims of raising funds for research into liver disease and the encouragement of football as an alternative to drink, drugs and substance abuse among what is our most precious resource…our young people.

Since his tragic death, we have seen many honours bestowed on George. In March we had the unveiling of Flybe's plane the George Best which was completed in time to allow the family to travel on its inaugural flight to Manchester for George's memorial service.

On the 22nd May we then we had the renaming of our City Airport to the George Best Belfast City Airport, once again completed in time to commemorate what would have been George's 60th birthday.

And now today, we find ourselves in this beautiful building which is such a fitting place to launch yet again another truly wonderful accolade. As you all know this was the Ulster Bank's former Belfast HQ. We are honoured and privileged to be present at the launch of this unique and special Ulster Bank £5 note which has yet again been completed in time to commemorate a very poignant occasion, the first anniversary of George's death. Just to reiterate what Cormac has said. The demand for these notes has been amazing. The George Best Foundation website has also had queries from all over the world; from Canada, South Africa, Russia, Switzerland and Germany to name but a few. Just a few days ago I was approached by a lady who was desperate to obtain ten of the notes to send to relations overseas. Both young and old and those in between are very keen to obtain one of these notes and claim ownership of their little piece of history.

I would just like to take some time to say a few words of thanks. Firstly to my husband Norman, who has been a tower of strength with his unconditional support. He has selflessly dedicated an enormous amount of time to all of the projects which have been presented to us.

To Jane Wells from JPR who despite having her own intensive workload, always has time to support and advise Norman and I with our work with the GBF.

To Paul Tweed and Sarah Loughran from Johnson's Solicitors who have worked tirelessly to ensure that the unbelievable amount of legal issues have been resolved.

Finally, to Cormac McCarthy, Chief Executive of the Ulster Bank Group, and to his dedicated and extremely professional team who have made this moving tribute possible. The dual purpose of providing a unique and lasting tribute to George whilst at the same time financially supporting the aims and objectives of the George Best Foundation is greatly appreciated. We are especially grateful for the sensitivity which has been afforded to us at this very difficult time. At every juncture our opinions have been sought out and acted upon.

This tribute is a fitting and moving end to this difficult year, and once again thank you to Cormac and his team and anyone else involved in this project for making it all possible.

To you George, you are and will remain greatly missed not just by your family but by your many friends and fans worldwide. The Ulster Bank Group is ensuring that your memory lives on not only with the production of this banknote but, by supporting your Foundation, ensuring there is a lasting positive legacy to your memory."