Lionel Rose Statue.

Just a quick run down.

Arrived at Warragul with Noel Kunde (Lionel won the Aussie crown from Noel) and ventured to the resturant to meet up with Lionel and Jenny and the crew from the Fitzroy Stars Gym... **** me dead, there's the Mayor of Warragul, the statue organisers, Barry & Sue Michael, Bomber, Lionel & Jenny, HoF President Brett and a list of others- all dressed to the 9's.. Im in tshirt, jeans and sneakers. Good start...

The look on Lionels face when he saw Noel Kunde was one of those moments to remember- bloody wrapt- as Noel had flown down from QLD for the occasion. Had a dinner and there was a couple of presentations and speaches among the crew. The two organisers, Stephen Mold and Rob McCarthy being the reciepients of a massive framed picture of Lionel and his brothers sitting outside the Humpy at Jacksons Track, neither man hiding their emotions or gratitude when presented with the framed pics... Stood outside listening to a pissed ASHLEY crapping on for 20 minutes..A few sore heads the following morning.

Down to the main street at 10am (not enough sleep) to see the formalities getting closer. Familiar faces everywhere- Gus Mercurio, COULDHAVEBEEN, Matty Ropis, Shane Delaney, Stu Patterson, Sam Soliman, Howard Leigh, Dave Russell, Jeff Fenech, Young Victor, Mick Croucher, Brian Membrey, Barry Michael, Porky Brooke, Bomber Peden... like CHB said, plenty more trainers, fighters, press and fans.

Putting the ceremony into words is near impossible with my own anti-Shakespearian abilities, and it'll take some time to remember the finer details- there's 100 stories about the day that made it special.

The speeches went bloody well. Barry Michael and Brett McCormick really nailed the crowds feelings and Jenny Rose reminded us that Old Lionel is just human afterall, having to run the boundaries in the under 13's footy etc. Presentations via the WBC and WBA were also afforded to the Legend Lionel accompanied by 'sell, sell, sell' speeches...Made a special effort to get some photo's of a certain 'Young' man, but the ***** left before I could get back from the shops. Have a good ally in a press photographer there... so all is not lost.

 

Passed on your father's words mate... Absolutely stoked to hear them. He's proud to be associated with Al.

 

Mate, great to stand with you when the speeches were being done.

The one major highlight of the day came late in the arvo. Got a brief few minutes to ask Rob McCarthy some Q?'s about the organisation of the event from scratch. We had a beer as he spoke about the finer details and then he pointed out the pub window.. "Look at that will ya"

He pointed more directly at two young kids, maybe 10y/o sitting on the park bench beside the statue, pointing up at Lionel and talking away. Seeing these two kids chatting away, Rob said that's the perfect ending to the movie. He looked bloody proud as punch to see that moment, almost like the legacy is safe with the next generation already. Neither child would know sweer FA about Lionel yet, but they'll understand soon enough.

 

Keep your eyes and ears open for a forth coming movie relating to the statue, Lionel and other things. Might be on the shelves by xmas.

 

$180,000 was mentioned also mate...

Fat arsed politicians waste more than that on 'official' holidays wasted walking down the streets of Paris researching street signs and the benefits of them.

There's no cost in honouring Lionel, just an contribution of respect.