George Best in Cork: New documentary goes behind the scenes of the superstar's stint on Leeside

George Best i gCorcaigh on TG4 looks back on the troubled player's brief sojourn at Cork Celtic in 1975 

George Best running out for Cork Celtic at Turner's Cross. Picture: Irish Examiner Archive

For his final act, Cristiano Ronaldo has chosen to fill his pockets with Saudi oil money. George Best, when the curtain was falling on his career, was tempted across the Irish Sea to play for Cork Celtic. 

It’s such a preposterous notion, but it happened – 50 years ago this Christmas. Best became a global superstar because of his exploits with Manchester United. Infamous for his playboy lifestyle, Best was christened “the fifth Beatle”. Yet a year after Best, the Ronaldo of his day, left United he went to Cork.