Belfast City Airport was on Monday renamed in honor of George Best, the city's most famous soccer star, on what would have been his 60th birthday.
Best's father, Dickie, officially unveiled the new entrance sign identifying George Best Belfast City Airport -- although workmen had to spend about 15 minutes cutting loose the tightly attached cover.
Best, who joined Manchester United at age 17, led the team to the 1968 Champions Cup and was named European Player of the Year. Graced with charm and good looks, he became one of soccer's first international superstars.
He died Nov. 25, three years after receiving a liver transplant, and received a state-style funeral in Belfast a week later.
About 200 people attended the airport ceremony, among them Best's sister Barbara McNarra, who said all the Bests were "delighted that the airport, situated close to the family home in east Belfast, will now act as a permanent memorial to honor George."
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