Former Dublin minor footballer and Aussie rules star Jim Stynes has passed away after a long battle with cancer.
The 45-year-old died at his home in Melbourne surrounded by his family and friends, including his wife Sam and children Matisse and Tiernan.
Stynes, who played 264 games with Melbourne and remains the only player recruited outside Australia to win the Brownlow Medal, revealed in July 2009 that he was being treated for a rare melanoma on his spine.
A tireless charity worker, Stynes also received recognition as an accomplished author since his retirement from the game.
In a Facebook message, his wife wrote: “Jim Stynes’ died on Tuesday the 20th of March at 8.20 am.
“Jim was pain free, dignified and peaceful.
“Matisse and Tiernan were present.
“Not surprisingly, in his last week of life Jim continued to defy the odds and lived his life to the fullest, attending the Melbourne vs Hawthorn football match, his son Tiernan’s 7th birthday celebration, The MFC Blazer Ceremony and a casual Friday night dinner at Toplinos in his much loved suburb St Kilda.
“In his final days Jim was immersed with insurmountable love and tenderness surrounded by his family and some close friends in the comfort of his own home.
“On behalf of Jim my heartfelt thanks to all those who have so generously cared for, guided and supported Jim throughout his challenging cancer battle.
“It is an incredibly sad time, however Jim in his passing, has made us see that in our grief that we can smile in our hearts for a beautiful man who will forever hold a special place in the hearts of many. Jim’s lesson is that life was to be challenged and treasured.”
Tributes come in
Meanwhile, GAA president Christy Cooney paid tribute to Stynes, saying he fought his illness the way he played his football, with honesty, integrity and consistency.
GAA director general Páraic Duffy added that the association regarded Stynes as "one of our own", and said his death was a tragedy for his family, as well as for his many fans.
He said you would really have to go to Australia to realise the esteem in which he was held, as was shown by the decision to give him a state funeral.
Minister for Justice Alan Shatter, who is currently in Australia as part of the Saint Patrick's Day programme of events, said: "Through his immense sporting achievements in the AFL and as a Brownlow Medalist, and subsequently through his work with young people with the Reach organisation, Jim touched the lives of many people.
"The decision of the Australian authorities to honour Jim with a state funeral is an indication of the high esteem in which he was rightly held and a fitting tribute to man who devoted his life to the wellbeing of others."
