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Paul Rouse: The Galahs' tour that forged Ron Barassi's deep Irish connections

The late Aussie Rules legend, who'll be honoured at the MCG, had a huge impact on the game.

LEGEND: Ron Barassi during the 2022 AFL Round 01 match between the Melbourne Demons and the Western Bulldogs at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Fri, 20 Oct, 2023 - 07:33

Paul Rouse is an historian, author, broadcaster… and former Offaly football boss. He specialises in sport and Irish culture.

It was announced this week that the late Ron Barassi will be honoured with a state memorial service at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) came as a reminder of the impact that the Australian Rules legendary player and coach had on Gaelic football.

The service will take place at 11am on Friday, November 10. As befitting the status of the first Australian Rules player to be inaugurated into the Australian Football Hall of Fame with the status of "legend", and a man who won 10 premierships as a player and coach for Melbourne, Carlton and North Melbourne, it will be open to the public. A huge crowd is certain.

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