A Cwmbran man named ‘George Best’s number one super-fan‘ by the Irish media presented trophies to players at the football club where the Manchester United and Northern Ireland icon first kicked a ball.
Andrew Bowen has stayed in the former Best family home in East Belfast’s Burren Way for over 20 nights in the last few years. Since 2021, fans have been able to do tours or sleep in the house. The website for the George Best House says: “With funding from Tourism NI’s Visitor Experience Development Grant, the entire house has been retro-refurbished to how it would have looked in 1961 when a fifteen-year-old George Best left Belfast to follow his football dreams in Manchester.”
The George Best super-fan’s trips to the city have seen him build friendships with several of Best’s relatives and friends. A typical trip will involve Andrew visiting George Best’s graveside to lay flowers and make sure it’s clean and tidy.
Andrew was recently interviewed for an upcoming BBC documentary looking at Best’s legacy in the 20 years since he died.
Last year, Phil Hughes, Best’s former agent, visited Andrew’s home in Pontrhydyrun for a BBQ and catch-up.
During his latest trip he met players and coaches at Cregagh Wanderers at their end of season awards’ night.
He said: “I arrived at Belfast International at 8.10pm where I was picked up by a neighbour from Burren Way, Mr Jim Beattie.
Blethers cafe
“Jim took myself and Rob Owens ( more about Rob later), to Blethers ( a cafe) for an Ulster Fry. A minute away is Jill Edwards Florist. This company did the flowers for George’s funeral. My flowers were waiting for me as per usual.
“Next stop was Roselawn Cemetery. The first visit ever for Rob. A tidy up of the grave, flowers placed, a chat to George and a prayer said before we made our way to Burren Way. I couldn’t believe how emotional Rob was being there, but I also remember my first visit too, I was identical.
“The afternoon was spent showing Rob a few murals and a couple of hours at Nettlefield Primary (where George went to school). Judith Acheson at Nettlefield, true to form, gave Rob an insight into George being at Nettlefield.
“Rob was shown the painting of George on the stairwell, the original school register was brought out and Rob saw George’s attendance records, comments etc, he was overwhelmed at having that in his hands. A pleasure to see.
“We went out to the polymeric pitch where Judith let us know what the latest developments are there. We have progression, but very slow.
“Tiredness kicked in soon after, no sleep the night before due to travelling over.
“The evening was spent relaxing in Burren Way.
Eastside Partnership
“My great mate Peter McCabe of Eastside Partnership picked us up at 11am and out for the day. We went looking at murals of George, boxing statues and more murals. We even called into the pub frequented by Alex Higgins, The Royal.
“That night we visited Grace, stayed a few hours with Grace and David. We had a great time.
“Friday was the night of Cregagh Wanderers Awards Ceremony, where I was giving out trophies to the U13s, U14s and U15s. What a pleasure this was and a great honour to be asked. I felt very privileged and extremely happy.
“I also brought something to be given out for Clubperson of the Year, which I gladly gave to Martin Allison, who I was told is one of their hardest working volunteers who gives his all to Cregagh Wanderers.
“What a cracking night it was, seeing all the children receiving their trophies, those smiles of happiness really is God’s medicine.
“I also brought a framed 1991 Northern Ireland v Finland football top, signed by George and given to me by Philip Hughes, who was George’s Manager from 1986 -2005. This was for auction and it raised £350.
‘Muhammad Ali’
“Rob, a boxing coach and part-time boxing promoter, was in touch with Muhammad Ali Camp. They sent me a framed pic of Ali, a signature and a certificate of authenticity. This went out to auction too and raised another £350.
“I also left five George Annuals that started from Christmas 1968 to Christmas 1972. These will be raffled at a later date.
“It was an extremely busy few days, very enjoyable and money raised for Cregagh Wanderers.”