Lou is bigger than a legend — Ron Joseph's eulogy for Lou Richards, St Paul's Cathedral Melbourne, May 2017

Lou 'The Lip' Richards was an icon of Australian football in the latter half of the twentieth century. He was an excellent player, playing 250 games for Collingwood between 1941 and 1955, including captaining the 1953 premiership. But he found fame in his home town of Melbourne as a columnist, television wit, and play by play commentator. He died in 2017, and was honoured at a state funeral. Friend and North Melbourne administrator Ron Joseph delivered an excellent eulogy, much of it pitched in Lou's voice, that did justice to Richards' cheekiness and charm.  Speakola is made entirely by Tony and supported by listeners. There is a Patreon page which you can join If you want to offer Tony regular support. Also we welcome credit card donations,  which can be monthly or one off. Tony AFL themed footy books include 1989: The Great Grand Final, A Boy Called Bob,  The Selwood Boys series and his debut novel, Players. He co-directed a footy documentary about an AFL tour of Ireland in 1967 called The Galahs.  Subscribe to our newsletter if you want a fortnightly email setting out great speeches by theme. Subscribe to Tony Wilson's 'Good one, Wilson' substack, to receive a weekly taste of his writing. He'll add the story of his mum's 1969 World of Sport trivia triumph shortly.  Spread the speakola word! Tag @byTonyWilson @speakola_ on Twitter facebook and Instagram. Email comments or ideas to [email protected] See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.