ON JULY 2 2009, Jim Stynes sat, accompanied by his wife Sam, in front of a room overflowing with Australia’s media and revealed that a cancerous lump on his back had spread to other parts of his body.
Instead of lying down and excepting the raw deal he had been handed, the legendary AFL figure faced the challenge head-on and would spend the remaining two-and-a-half years trying to beat the illness.
This documentary, aired on Irish television for the first time in December 2010, is a brutally honest account of his daily struggles while using a series of alternative therapies, which also gives an insight into how selfless a man he was during his work with young people for Reach, the foundation he established in 1994.
I’ve seen it before but seeing it again will take on a whole new meaning knowing that he has passed. If only every young person in the country could look up to him and take something away from his story! Never give up and never give in. An inspiration to all! Rest in peace Jim.
And another thing. He was a Dublin man, originally, why no book of condolence in the mansion house? He’s getting a well deserved state funeral in Australia.
We loved him as one of our own, but the truth of the matter is… he had Irish blood running through those veins. A son of Ireland to whom you should all be so proud of. RIP Jimmy xxx
I saw the documentary when it first aired, I was both deeply moved and inspired. I never met Jim Stynes, but feel pain at hearing of his passing. I urge people to watch the documentary. A hell of a guy. May he rest in peace, although his spirit and good deeds shall live on.
His legacy will forever be an example as to the humility of a human being in the devotion of his energy to the support of young people in difficulty while he himself was confronted with the greatest challenge in life. A legend in life and now prematurely a legend forever.
jim ,sleep well big man ,, we will miss u loads ,ur the best irishman that ever took a fotty ball in them big hands ,,but more imporant u loved life ,,the joy u brought into our lives was much more than any other sportman ever did ,,our hearts are broken ,trying not 2 cry anymore jim ,but its hard not 2 big man ,thanks jim for just being jim ,,love from a big irish softy tipperary man,,we love u big man ,sleep well xxx
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Legendary Man. May he serve as an example to us all. RIP.
I’ve seen it before but seeing it again will take on a whole new meaning knowing that he has passed. If only every young person in the country could look up to him and take something away from his story! Never give up and never give in. An inspiration to all! Rest in peace Jim.
And another thing. He was a Dublin man, originally, why no book of condolence in the mansion house? He’s getting a well deserved state funeral in Australia.
Well said Kevin. At least the Aussies appreciated him. Disgraceful that there’s no book of condolences for him
We loved him as one of our own, but the truth of the matter is… he had Irish blood running through those veins. A son of Ireland to whom you should all be so proud of. RIP Jimmy xxx
Rest in Peace Jim. He was an inspiration.
I saw the documentary when it first aired, I was both deeply moved and inspired. I never met Jim Stynes, but feel pain at hearing of his passing. I urge people to watch the documentary. A hell of a guy. May he rest in peace, although his spirit and good deeds shall live on.
A Great man. We’re all the poorer for his passing. RIP Jim Stynes .
His legacy will forever be an example as to the humility of a human being in the devotion of his energy to the support of young people in difficulty while he himself was confronted with the greatest challenge in life. A legend in life and now prematurely a legend forever.
jim ,sleep well big man ,, we will miss u loads ,ur the best irishman that ever took a fotty ball in them big hands ,,but more imporant u loved life ,,the joy u brought into our lives was much more than any other sportman ever did ,,our hearts are broken ,trying not 2 cry anymore jim ,but its hard not 2 big man ,thanks jim for just being jim ,,love from a big irish softy tipperary man,,we love u big man ,sleep well xxx