Rugby Digest: English slam Irish on St. Patrick’s Day

Ireland's Six Nations season ended in defeat

Larger Text

Print

E-mail

3 Comments

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Chris Ashton of England tackles Tommy Bowe of Ireland during the RBS 6 Nations match between England and Ireland at Twickenham Stadium on March 17, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Photo by Getty Images

Tweet

Back home, former teammates and coaches paid tribute to the player who won an All-Ireland minor football medal with Dublin in 1984 before embarking on a highly successful Aussie Rules career.

Former Dublin footballer and fellow Ballyboden St. Enda’s clubman Paul Bealin paid his own tribute to Stynes.

Bealin said, “Jim was a massive loss to both the club and the county when he went to Australia.

“And I think it was always a burning ambition of his to come home and play for the seniors and try and win an All-Ireland but unfortunately it never happened.

“But he had carved out such a career for himself in Australia that it was almost impossible for him to walk away. He was a legend around the club and he had a great way about him, a really great smile.

“He is a massive loss and my sympathy goes out to all of his family.”
Likewise, former Ireland Compromise Rules team boss and former Down manager Pete McGrath paid tribute to Stynes whom he met on several occasions during the series in Australia.

McGrath told the Irish Sun, “For people who are unfortunate enough to be touched by cancer he showed them the positivity and courage on how to confront the disease.

“He was a man who showed the same focus, bravery and determination on the field. Those qualities help against the trauma and all the problems that life can throw up.”

Dublin County Board chairman Andy Kettle said, “He was an iconic figure, he represented Dublin and Ireland with dignity and honor in Australia he showed his continuing love of Gaelic Games through his involvement with the International Rules.”

Australians have also praised Stynes for his sporting ability and his courage in the face of cancer after his death was announced on Tuesday morning.

In a Facebook message, his wife Sam wrote, “Jim Stynes died on Tuesday the 20th of March at 8:20 a.m. Jim was pain free, dignified and peaceful. Matisse and Tiernan (his children) 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 seventh 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.”
 

Print

E-mail

Tweet