Sports minister to attend George Best’s funeral

Sports Minister John O’Donoghue is to attend the funeral of George Best on behalf of the Government, it was confirmed tonight.

Hundreds of thousands of fans are expected to flock to the event on Saturday in the Stormont estate outside Belfast.

The former Manchester United star and Northern Ireland international died at the weekend in London’s Cromwell Hospital.

A Government spokesperson said Mr O’Donoghue will represent the Taoiseach and the Irish Government at the funeral.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern will also sign the Book of Condolences at the offices of the Football Association of Ireland in Dublin tomorrow morning, the spokesperson added.