Today In Irish History

November 25: TODAY in Irish History:

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Snippets of Irish History by Conor Cunneen IrishmanSpeaks

Conor is a Chicago based Motivational Humorous Business Speaker, Author and History buff.

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1921: Treaty Negotiations

Michael Collins and Arthur Griffith return from London Treaty negotiations to Dail Cabinet where a proposal is passed that becomes the catalyst for the Irish Civil War. “That Ireland shall recognise the British Crown for the purposes of the Association as symbol and accepted head of the combination of Associated States”.

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1963: JFK is buried

JFK Funeral Procession

First Row, L-R: Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, Mrs. Jacqueline Kennedy; Senator Edward M. Kennedy.

Second Row, L-R: R. Sargent Shriver, Stephen E. Smith, Secret Service Agent.

Following: Foreign dignitaries, including General Charles de Gaulle, Queen Frederika, Ludwig Erhard, King Baudoin.

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2005: Death of George Best.

George Best 1946-2005

The “Belfast Boy” was undoubtedly the finest footballer Ireland has ever produced and probably one of the top ten players ever. In a career and life shortened by the scourge of alcoholism, he was a genuinely loved individual who entranced soccer fans, provided the media with acres of copy over his drinking, love affairs and sometimes irresponsible behavior. He was a lovely man whose only enemy was the alcohol that eventually killed him.

Best was discovered by Manchester United scout Bob Bishop (who also discovered Norman Whiteside). Bishop sent a telegram to United manager Matt Busby stating “I think I’ve discovered a genius.”

The slight, shy Belfast lad made his debut against West Brom in 1963 at the age of 17. Best won two League championship medals and the European Cup (1968) with a Manchester United team that variously included other Irish players including Tony  Dunne, Shay Brennan and goalkeeper Pat Dunne.

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Man United 1968 European Cup Winners.                                                                                                  econd row: Irish players Tony Dunne 3rd from left. Shay Brennan 4th from left. George Best 6th from left.

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Unfortunately, Best’s hedonistic life style and poor lifestyle management saw a wonderful footballing genius lose motivation for football.

Best had numerous falling outs with Manchester United before being finally released in January 1974. He played for 11 different clubs in following years including Cork Celtic!

His lifestyle prompted many wonderful stories as when he recalled staying in a five star London hotel, the morning after the night before, lying in bed draped by casino winnings, champagne bottles and a Miss World (literally), the room service staffmember asked “Where did it all go wrong, Mr. Best?” Funny – Yes. Sad – Most definitely.

The footballing genius who didn’t know how to handle fame and was consumed by alcoholism broke many hearts during his lifetime and even spent short period in jail for alcohol related misdemeanors.

His funeral in Belfast drew an estimated 100,000 people

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READ: George Best obituary

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READ: Pat Jennings on George Best

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Want to learn more about Ireland? See these images and more in the acclaimed For the Love of Being Irish

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This history is written by Irish author, business keynote speaker and award winning humorist IrishmanSpeaks – Conor Cunneen. If you spot any inaccuracies or wish to make a comment, please don’t hesitate to contact us via the comment button.

Visit Conor’s YouTube channel IrishmanSpeaks to Laugh and Learn.

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