Jimmy Stynes

[whiskeysteve]

A Legend. After following his story for the last few years all I can say is that this is the passing of an almost mythical figure. A giant of a man who started out with nothing and no one in an alien sport, thousands of miles from home. A man who fought onto the team only to blow the chance of a grand final appearance for the games most historic club - yet showed the character to go on and win player of the year 4 years later. Even greater than that the resiliance and sheer might of will to fight through 10 years of hard physical contests without missing a game. The all time AFL record of 244 consecutive matches - where not even broken ribs could stop him lining out - is the stuff of legend in Aussie Rules.

To have a career like that and yet his subsequent contribution to AFL, Melbourne and Australian society overshadows his football career is a measure of this mans greatness. He founded the Reach Foundation to help struggling children throughout Australia, became chairman of the club he played for, the oldest in AFL and brought it from the brink of bankruptcy to totally clear its debts. He became heavily involved in fighting racism in Aussie Rules. And to cap it all he shows superhuman resiliance in a very public battle with cancer. He is given a few months to live yet fights through multiple tumours and 2 and a half years of almost continuous operations and experimental treatment, all the while maintaining a public profile for his club and charity.

He is universally loved and revered throughout Australia, and a measure of the esteem he is held in by the Melbourne fans can be seen in the 2010 video below. "Inspirational".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LF-I7rGY9RQ

RIP Jim Stynes - One of the greatest heroes of Irish sport

[Tubberman]

RIP Jim Stynes. Never saw him play but had huge admiration for him after watching the documentary. Not only for the bravery and determination fighting cancer, but also for all the great work he did for disadvantaged children through his charity.
A very sad time for his family, especially his wife and kids. But they can also be very proud.

[ross matt]

RIP Jim. Inspirational figure on and off the field and particularly in how he defiantly fought this horrible disease. I hope his wife and kids get some solace from how respected and admired he was but its tragic that they and he are so young at this time of his passing.

[Never beat the deeler]

RIP Jim. Inspirational figure on and off the field and particularly in how he defiantly fought this horrible disease. I hope his wife and kids get some solace from how respected and admired he was but its tragic that they and he are so young at this time of his passing.

Jim fought long and hard and with great courage. His wife Sam seems to be drawing from this courage herself with an equally courageous statement.


http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/afl/jim-stynes-death-full-statement-from-wife-sam/story-e6freck3-1226304802142

[Aerlik]

The great man has just received the opening ovation by the PM and Opposition in Parliament.

Sad day for us Irish in Australia.

RIP Jim.

[Declan]

A brave and inspirational man in a world where the word hero is given out too easily. RIP Jim

[Billys Boots]

A great sportsman, and a sad loss, not just for sport.  RIP.

[mick999]

RIP .. 

Good tribute here :  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C54LgEsCwAM

[Harold Disgracey]

RIP Jim Stynes, a truly brave and inspirational man.

[orangeman]

RIP .. 

Good tribute here :  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C54LgEsCwAM

Nice tribute alright.

Shocking how such a strong man can be laid low by this horrible illness.

Sean Wight died last year - another strong, tough, uncompromising player who suffered the same fate.

[squire_in_navy_slacks]

A true gent and beautiful human being....................terrible loss to his family and friends

[Gabriel_Hurl]

I see he's getting a state funeral

[Croí na hÉireann]

Only heard the news there, sorry to hear he lost his brave fight

A brave and inspirational man in a world where the word hero is given out too easily. RIP Jim

+1

[BennyCake]

We never seen the best of Stynes in the GAA. He must have been an inspirational man in Aussie Rules, more than I thought. I doubt if any Irish player will have the same impact down under as he's had. 45 years old, that's such a young age.

RIP Jim.

PS. I missed his documentary. Is it available online anywhere?

[blewuporstuffed]

We never seen the best of Stynes in the GAA. He must have been an inspirational man in Aussie Rules, more than I thought. I doubt if any Irish player will have the same impact down under as he's had. 45 years old, that's such a young age.

RIP Jim.

PS. I missed his documentary. Is it available online anywhere?

the documenatry is one of the most moving things ive seen on Tv, a true inspiration and hero.
not sure if its online anywhere, but here is the trailer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwOV6CJmrlE