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Jim Stynes passed away in 2012 following a long battle with cancer. ©INPHO/James Crombie

Jim Stynes to be commemorated in Australia with bronze statue

The late Dubliner becomes only the fifth athlete to be inducted into the Avenue of Legends.

IRISH AUSSIE RULES legend Jim Stynes is set to be commemorated in the form of a bronze statue, it has been announced.

The statue of Stynes, who died in 2012 after a long battle with cancer, with be located in Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Melbourne Cricket Club President Paul Sheahan is quoted in The Age as saying how it was “fitting that 30 years after the Gaelic footballer was recruited from Dublin, we announce Jim Stynes’ induction into the Australia Post Avenue of Legends series”.

He continued: “A true gentleman of the game, Stynes is an exceptional individual whose achievements as a non-Australian-born player remain unmatched. There is no doubt that he is one of the most extraordinary and inspiring figures in the history of Australian sport.”

Stynes becomes only the fifth athlete to be inducted into the Avenue of Legends, with cricketers Shane Warne and Neil Harvey, and footballers Norm Smith and John Coleman, also featuring.

Australia Post chief executive Ahmed Fahour added: “We’re delighted that Jim Stynes has been chosen to feature on the Australia Post Avenue of Legends. He was not only a great AFL champion, he was also an inspiration to many underprivileged and troubled youths during his career and later through the Reach Foundation.”

Stynes enjoyed a decorated career in Australian Rules football, gaining numerous accolades, including the prestigious Brownlow Medal.

Following his retirement from the sport, he subsequently gained considerable acclaim for his charity and youth work.

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19 Comments
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    Mute micky malone
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    Feb 21st 2014, 11:10 AM

    A brilliant human being…totally deserved!

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    Mute Critical Thoughts
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    Feb 21st 2014, 11:14 AM

    The word legend gets bandied about all too often these days but if anyone is deserving of such a title it’s Jim. An incredible athlete, an inspiration to so many and even through his own ill health worked so hard to help others. He really was someone our country can proud of.

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    Mute Andrew S
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    Feb 21st 2014, 11:14 AM

    What an honour. Great to hear that type of stuff.

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    Mute Paddy Lyons
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    Feb 21st 2014, 11:15 AM

    He was a great man and a true legend in his own lifetime. He touched the lives of a great many people. He will be remembered for a long time to come.

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    Mute Brian Foley
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    Feb 21st 2014, 11:18 AM

    A legend of a man! Record of consecutive AFL games played despite broken bones and muscle tears! Played through a series of other adversities also! His charity work was outstanding! A true role model to Irish expats!

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    Mute The real Les Rock
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    Feb 21st 2014, 11:34 AM

    And by doing that he exuded the gaa ethos.

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    Mute The real Les Rock
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    Feb 21st 2014, 11:17 AM

    We should do something here for Jim. Legend

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    Mute D
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    Feb 21st 2014, 11:27 AM

    Great idea. Perhaps a replica of the statue in Australia placed in O Connell Street …. Why not he is an Irish hero.

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    Mute The real Les Rock
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    Feb 21st 2014, 11:33 AM

    I was thinking some more sort of commemorative. Dedicate something in croker to him

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    Mute John Smith
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    Feb 21st 2014, 11:57 AM

    A statue on o Connell street might be going a little too far now.

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    Mute Tim McSweeney
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    Feb 21st 2014, 12:45 PM

    quiet man! can’t you see this is a bandwagon! You’re right though.

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    Mute D
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    Feb 21st 2014, 11:17 AM

    A true gentleman. A great honour for Jim and all Irish men and women world wide. His wife and children must be so proud.

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    Mute richardmccarthy
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    Feb 21st 2014, 11:48 AM

    Anyone who has seen the film on Jim Stynes life could not but be inspired by his story,in a world of gimmie gimmie, he stood out as an example and a shinning light for helping the less fortunate,the Aussie gesture is richly deserved.

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    Mute Roland 303
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    Feb 21st 2014, 11:33 AM

    A warrior both on the field and off. He never stopped battling against cancer and tried everything and anything to prolong his time with his wife and kids. A true Irish legend.

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    Mute john o'kelly
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    Feb 21st 2014, 1:36 PM

    I for one think it’s a fantastic way to celebrate an amazing mans life,he was inspirational while playing,and fighting his last battle.
    If I ever get to see the statue in person I would say a quite prayer,and pay my respects, RIP JIM

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    Mute Doctor Doc
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    Feb 21st 2014, 3:29 PM

    Im in a school in Melbourne. One of the young lads says hey are you from Ireland? Do you know Jim Stynes??? Some player mate!14 I’d say the little skippy was..Ronaldo who?? Funny out! His career,personality and struggle endeared a city it seems and what a way to be recognised at the home of AFL! It’s time his country recognised his contribution to Australia. Even the way he conducted himself and played as an ambassador for all Irish.

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    Mute paul burch
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    Feb 21st 2014, 12:08 PM

    He was a great school boy rugby player for De La Salle Churchtown too.

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    Mute Phil Quinlan
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    Feb 21st 2014, 6:52 PM

    He shouldn’t be getting a bronze statue. He should be getting a gold statue…

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    Mute James Delaney
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    Feb 22nd 2014, 1:00 AM

    Offer wondered would Dublin have won more all Ireland’s if Jim Stynes had stayed in Ireland.
    Made a huge impression in Australia both on and off the pitch.
    Brilliant sportsman and person.

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