Jim Gracey celebrated as 'giant of sports journalism'
Tributes have celebrated Jim Gracey as “a giant of sports journalism in Northern Ireland” and “dear friend”.
The 68 year old passed away on Saturday morning following an illness, leaving behind a legacy that started as a football journalist with hometown newspaper The Lurgan Mail in 1974 before joining The Belfast Telegraph in 1979.
He finished his career in 2021, having held the title of Group Sports Editor at the Belfast Telegraph and Sunday Life.
“The Northern Ireland Football Writers’ Association is deeply saddened to learn of the death of former member Jim Gracey,” read one tribute. “Jim was a giant of sports journalism in Northern Ireland, working for the Lurgan Mail, Belfast Telegraph and Sunday Life.
"Jim served as chairman of the Association from 1992 to 1994. The thoughts of everyone at NIFWA are with Jim’s family at this difficult time.”
He was also a former chair of Northern Ireland sports charity The Mary Peters Trust.
Dame Mary Peters remembered “a dear friend and a highly respected and talented colleague”.
"We will all miss Jim’s straight-talking advice, his listening ear, his encouragement, his friendship, his down-to-earth attitude and dedication to the Trust’s work and development,” added Dame Peters. “His love and passion for all sports led him to join our Board in 2015.
"He made a massive contribution to The Mary Peters Trust.”
Funeral arrangements to follow.