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Enter Red Shamrock
GEORGE BEST
In 2006, just after George Best had died, M.U.S.T (Manchester United Supporters Trust) was running an auction to raise money for the George Best Foundation.Our branch, without thinking, got together with one of our members Andrew Grech, one of Australia's leading artists. Andrew volunteered his artistic skills and produced a marvellous painting called "Enter Red Shamrock". This painting was then framed and sent by the club to M.U.S.T. for the auction.I will let Barbara McNarry (George Best's sister) tell you the story."I am sure you remember that the painting 'Enter Red Shamrock' was to be auctioned at a function organised by MUST way back in 2006. From the moment I set eyes on the painting I fell in love with it. Anyway, it was decided on the evening that it wasn't really the right time or place (a great time was had by all and a lot of drink taken!!) My late Dad was at the function and although he was very reluctant to go, as he was still hurting so much from George's death, he came along and had a brilliant time, dancing with the ladies!!MUST kept the painting safely stored and because I loved it so much I asked them to send it to me so I could enjoy looking at it. This they duly did and less than two months later I had a call from them asking if I could send it back. The reason? They were having a function at Old Trafford to mark what would have been Sir Matt's 100th and the auction on the evening was in aid of the George Best Foundation. Sadly, I parcelled up the 'Red Shamrock' and off he went back to OT. Norman and I were at the event and the beautiful painting was auctioned to a Manchester man who also bought a pair of golden football boots, which were cast from an original pair of George's. To be honest Kieran, I can't remember what each item raised, but I do know that the total was £4500!! The guy who bought them actually rounded this up to £5000. At the end of the evening, I went to him to personally thank him and hand over both items. I explained the story behind the painting and to my complete surprise and joy; he GAVE IT BACK TO ME!!! I did write to Andrew to let him know and if my memory serves me correctly to your club as well through the website, but I am assuming that no one received them. So from Australia, to Manchester, to Belfast, to Manchester and back to Belfast went our Georgie. I never tire looking at that beautiful painting, which takes pride of place in my home in Belfast.Well, there is more, and I hope I haven't bored you senseless!!The George Best Foundation has been working for quite some time with the Ulster Historical Foundation to publish an outstanding book, called 'GEORGE BEST WILL NOT BE PLAYING TODAY' (even the story behind the title is different) All profits are for the two charities. We battled to find a suitable cover and I just could not shake off the painting. So.... a photograph was taken from the oil painting and part of it now adorns the FRONT cover of the book and inside the flap is a short piece explaining why. I have attached them to give you an idea, but if you visit www.best-tributes.com you will get more information and you can even add your own personal message, which would be lovely.This book is utterly unique and without the fans it would never have happened. I was just desperate to let you and all of your club members know of the very special part which you have played in this outstanding tribute to George. Could I ask you to get in touch with Andrew to let him know as it it so important that I get his blessing and approval for this ?Anyway, Kieran, I am so pleased finally be able to share this with you and I would love it if you could read this out at one of your meetings.I look forward to hearing from you.Very best wishes.Barbara"
George Best Foundation
www.georgebest.com
Link to the book
"George Best will not be playing today"
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