End of an era as Jackie Fullerton prepares for final Irish Cup Final

Jackie has become a popular sports commentator and personality on BBC Northern Ireland television and radio with a long and distinguished career spanning 40 years.

The Ballymena man began his commentary career in 1978 and first commentated on the Irish Cup Final for BBC Northern Ireland in 1992. Jackie’s debut Irish Cup Final for BBC NI saw Glenavon beat Linfield by a goal at the Oval – the final score Glenavon 2 Linfield 1. On Saturday things will come full circle when Jackie takes to the commentary box for the last time for BBC Northern Ireland as Linfield and Glenavon meet again, this time at Windsor Park.

Jackie said: “It’s always sad when something comes to an end but I can’t really feel that way because I have been blessed to do this for some 40 years. It’s nice to have a job which is your hobby as well. It would be nice to do it all over again though. It’s time to pass the microphone on.”

BBC Sport NI will celebrate Jackie’s time as a commentator with a special feature item during half-time on the The Irish Cup Final on BBC One Northern Ireland and an extended interview on BBC Radio Ulster’s Sportsound, also on Saturday at 2pm.

Peter Johnson, Director, BBC Northern Ireland said: “Jackie Fullerton is a broadcasting legend and is a class act both on and off air. I have had many memorable occasions in Jackie’s company and I look forward to many more. He is very much part of the BBC Northern Ireland family.”