​Tributes have flowed for Jim Gracey, a towering figure in sports journalism who has died at the age of 68. Gracey dedicated more than four decades of his career to The Belfast Telegraph, a paper he joined in 1979 after his early years with the Lurgan Mail. He later rose to become the sports editor for The Belfast Telegraph and its sister publication, Sunday Life, guiding coverage through the highs and lows of the region’s athletic landscape before retiring in 2021.
Throughout his time in journalism, Gracey covered football at both the domestic level in Northern Ireland and on the international stage, bringing depth and insight to every match report, feature, and analysis. His career spanned six World Cups, during which he reported from the world’s biggest football stages and connected with players, coaches, and fans alike. Beyond the press boxes, he also contributed to the broader sporting community as the director of the Mary Peters Trust, a charity named in honor of Lady Mary Peters, the Northern Ireland-born Olympic gold medalist in pentathlon. The Trust supports young athletes and helps them develop their potential, reflecting Gracey’s commitment to nurturing future generations of sport.
Steven Beacom, Chief Sports Writer for The Belfast Telegraph and Sunday Life, remembered Gracey as a “larger than life character and a giant of sports journalism.” Beacom highlighted Gracey’s ability to break significant stories, craft sharp and persuasive opinion pieces, and interview stars with both authority and empathy. He noted that Gracey enjoyed the respect of the sports world across Northern Ireland and beyond, a testament to the trust and credibility he built over decades. Beacom also spoke of the personal warmth Gracey brought to his work—the “great company,” the “big heart,” the generosity, and the camaraderie shared while covering major tournaments such as the World Cup and the European Championship.
Colleagues recalled Gracey as someone who opened doors for aspiring reporters, offering guidance and opportunities at every turn. Paul Ferguson, Head of Sport for The Belfast Telegraph and Sunday Life, described Gracey as a “wonderful writer, headline composer and fiercely protective of his staff.” Ferguson praised Gracey’s distinctive turn of phrase and his steadfast mission to hold power to account, notably the executives at the Irish Football Association, while also uncovering emotive and fascinating details from his interviewees. He emphasized Gracey’s dual legacy: a professional excellence that earned him respect and a human touch that underscored his warm personality and generosity.
Gracey’s roots lay in Lurgan, and he remained proudly connected to that town throughout his career. Football played a central role in his life—whether cheering for Glenavon in the Irish League, following Manchester United, or supporting Northern Ireland on the international stage—and motorcycling was another enduring passion. Yet, regardless of the sport, he consistently ensured that Northern Ireland’s success stories were celebrated within the pages of his papers. His journalistic philosophy emphasized fairness and accountability, but what made him truly special, colleagues say, was the warmth and humanity he brought to every interaction, whether in the newsroom, on the road to a training camp, or in interview corridors.
As a mentor and advocate for the next generation of reporters, Gracey’s influence extended beyond his editorial leadership. He is remembered for giving young writers meaningful opportunities to develop their craft and for fostering an environment where powerful stories could be told with integrity and respect. In reflecting on Gracey’s life and career, many colleagues noted that the “human touch” he offered—his ability to connect with people, to listen, and to tell their stories with nuance—left an enduring imprint on Northern Irish journalism.
Jim Gracey leaves a rich legacy in sport journalism: a body of work that captured both the adrenaline of competition and the deeper, often untold human stories behind the headlines. His contributions to The Belfast Telegraph, Sunday Life, and the Mary Peters Trust reflect a career dedicated not only to reporting on sport but to elevating it, celebrating achievement, and inspiring the next generation of writers. The sports journalism community will remember him as a giant of the trade, a mentor to many, and a colleague who always stood up for truth, accountability, and the people who make sport meaningful.