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George Best 5 Pound Banknotes Sold Out

A million 5 GBP banknotes, carrying the image of legendary soccer player George Best, have entered distribution in Northern Ireland. This is another step in perpetuating the memory of the soccer player. Much of Ulster`s inhabitants rushed to the city`s banks before dawn last week, hoping to get their hands on the note, which has become an instant internet hit among fans world wide. The 5-pound-notes were sold for more than 150 pounds per note.

The notes were printed by the Ulster bank, one of the 4 banks authorized to distribute banknotes in Northern Ireland, in celebration of the first year of the parting of the county`s beloved son and hero, George Best. Best, a past soccer player for Manchester United, died on November 25, in the Cromwell Hospital in London, of liver failure, following Best`s battle with alcoholism. Tens of thousands of fans showed up at his funeral. Bank Ulster Bank officials said that public enthusiasm for the banknotes was "almost historic", as people snatched the notes offered online as soon as they were offered. The rest of the notes were available over the counter at the bank.

The first note in the run was presented to his sister Barbara McNarry and the last to his father Dickie at a special launch ceremony in Belfast last month. "Ulster Bank can confirm that all stocks of the George Best commemorative five pound note have now fully sold out," a spokesman said.