Melbourne, today, saw the biggest funeral this city's had for decades - when Jim Stynes was honored with a State Funeral.
St. Paul's Cathedral packed with 1200 plus invitees - and thousands of Melbourne Football Club supporters, and others, stood outside, deeply saddened, in Fed Square. The applaase when his casket emerged from the CAthedral was enormous.
To those who don't know the AFL code - you'll say - who's Jim Stynes.
Although his bravery on the football field was legendary, playing 244 consecutive games despite at times terrible injuries.
Beyond his amazing football ability, he spent his life reaching far out to others - he and his associate co-founded the "Reach" Foundation. Whereby they did REACH thousands of young, disempowered youth - and must have saved and guided many otherwise lost young lives. It's estimated they worked with over half a million such distressed youth.
There were masses of people there to say goodbye to this deeply beloved Irish "giant", who had an equally giant heart.
Jim Stynes - aged 45. His battle with cancer was an inspiration in itself. He was given 9 months to live - and through his immense courage and positivity, he lived for another 3 years. He even went out to dinner with his family four nights before he succumbed. Amazing strength and courage.
Go well, Jimmy. And may the wind always be at your back!
Jim's ashes will be taken back to Ireland by his wife and two children, as he wished. Melbourne the city lost a great son today. Melbourne the Club did too. Jim Stynes will still be talked about 50 years from now.
