Glenavon FC has confirmed the death of Jim Gracey, the Belfast Telegraph and Sunday Life sports editor whose career overlapped with the club’s peak influence in Irish football journalism during the 1980s and 1990s. A service of thanksgiving for Gracey’s life took place on Wednesday 22 July 2026 at 12 pm in Malcomson’s Funeral Home, Robert Street, Lurgan.

Who was Jim Gracey?

Jim Gracey carved his name into Northern Irish sportswriting history as one-third of the famed trio of journalists known for their deep ties to the game. Alongside Bill Ireland and Gordon Hanna, Gracey dominated football coverage in the province for two decades. Glenavon’s former chairman Adrian Teer counted Gracey as a lifelong friend, often calling him “big Adrian” as the two spoke almost daily to ensure Mourneview Park’s voice was heard in the Belfast Telegraph and Sunday Life.

Gracey’s career began in the 1970s at the Lurgan Mail before joining the Belfast Telegraph in 1979. He later became Malcolm Brodie’s assistant and moved to the Sunday Life, where he helped shape its early years. Outside journalism, he led the Mary Peters Trust and co-wrote Dame Mary Peters’ autobiography, “Mary Peters: My Story.” He retired from the Belfast Telegraph and Sunday Life in 2021.

How Glenavon remembers him

At Mourneview Park, Gracey is recalled as part of the “Ireland, Hanna, Gracey triumvirate” that defined an era when Glenavon stood at the top table of Irish football writing. His knack for anecdotes and warm personality left a mark on everyone he met, from grassroots figures to household names in sport. Glenavon, currently 12th in the Premiership with 25 points from 33 games and a recent run of four straight losses, pauses to honour his legacy.

What happens next

A private family service concluded the formal tributes, but Glenavon’s connection to Gracey’s memory will linger. The club’s focus remains on the pitch, where a tough spell has seen Glenavon lose four of its last five matches, including a 2-3 defeat at home to Carrick Rangers on 25 April 2026. With 33 goals scored and 63 conceded, Glenavon trails the league leaders Larne by 48 points.

Jim is survived by his wife Paula and sister Anne. Glenavon’s tribute echoes the sentiment Be Just and Fear Not, the words that framed his life and work.