New doc tells the story of George Best’s stint in Cork

A new documentary will air this St Steven’s Day marking the 50th anniversary of footballing icon George Best’s astonishing signing for Cork Celtic.

Revered for his skill on the pitch and his extravagant lifestyle off it, Best played with Manchester United as one of their star players for 11 years. When he left, the world wondered what was next for Bestie.

As it turned out, the next thing for him was a stint in Cork. In 1975, Cork Celtic were in trouble. Attendances were low and with little money coming in through the turnstiles, the club was in danger of going broke. It needed a player to pull in the crowds and boost the flagging gates. George Best had left Manchester United the previous year after his superstar lifestyle had spiralled out of control.

He had developed a ‘play for pay’ policy and if a club could come up with his fee, he’d tog out in its colours. Cork Celtic’s Bobby Tambling, who knew Best from encounters on the pitch when he played for Chelsea, was sent to England to see if Bestie was interested. He was.

What followed was a fascinating football note in the history of League of Ireland football.

Featuring interviews with many of his Cork Celtic team mates, including Alfie McCarthy, and Bryan McSweeney, as well as broadcasters and fans John Creedon and Ger Canning, the documentary tells the inside story of one of the most fascinating periods in League of Ireland history.

Shot entirely on location in Cork, the documentary features rare archive footage of George Best in action for Cork Celtic.

‘George Best i gCorcaigh’ airs on TG4 St Stephen’s Day at 8.15pm and on the TG4 player at TG4.ie.