IT’S BEEN WELL known for some time now that the relationship between ex-Donegal football boss Jim McGuinness and his former number two Rory Gallagher has been far from perfect.
In his new book, ‘Until Victory Always’, McGuinness revealed that he hasn’t spoken to current Donegal supremo Gallagher since a heavy 2013 All-Ireland quarter-final defeat to Mayo.
Gallagher has now expressed disappointment with McGuinness lifting the lid on his departure following that game, after which McGuinness spruced up his backroom team.
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In an RTÉ interview, McGuinness said: ”It was one of those things; it was a break-up. It’s a relationship and we had fantastic times and unbelievable experiences together. But these things happen in sport and in life.”
Jim McGuinness on duty with SKY Sports. James Crombie / INPHO
James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO
Gallagher has now hit back in a statement of his own, stating that he is “disappointed” at the revelations.
“I have received many requests for my reaction to the description given by Jim McGuinness in his book with regard to my departure from the Donegal Senior Management Team in September 2013,” Gallagher said.
“At this point, I am not interested in commenting on the inaccuracies in the book while involved with the Donegal Senior Team. I am comfortable in the knowledge that Donegal County Board officers are aware of the true circumstances of my departure.
“I will say I am disappointed Jim has chosen to comment on the breakup of the management team at this point. The players, management and backroom team had a very clear understanding that what happened within the group remained within the group.
Rory Gallagher and Jim McGuinness show the strain of defeat against Mayo in 2013. Cathal Noonan / INPHO
Cathal Noonan / INPHO / INPHO
“Following my departure I did not comment on the matter as this would have been unfair on the players and the new management team whose focus was on the year ahead. I am really looking forward to the new season working with a brilliant squad of players who have given Donegal so much over the last five years.
“The management, players and the County Board will be doing everything in our power to achieve success again for Donegal in 2016.”
'I am not interested in commenting on inaccuracies' - Gallagher's McGuinness blast
IT’S BEEN WELL known for some time now that the relationship between ex-Donegal football boss Jim McGuinness and his former number two Rory Gallagher has been far from perfect.
In his new book, ‘Until Victory Always’, McGuinness revealed that he hasn’t spoken to current Donegal supremo Gallagher since a heavy 2013 All-Ireland quarter-final defeat to Mayo.
Gallagher has now expressed disappointment with McGuinness lifting the lid on his departure following that game, after which McGuinness spruced up his backroom team.
In an RTÉ interview, McGuinness said: ”It was one of those things; it was a break-up. It’s a relationship and we had fantastic times and unbelievable experiences together. But these things happen in sport and in life.”
Gallagher has now hit back in a statement of his own, stating that he is “disappointed” at the revelations.
“I have received many requests for my reaction to the description given by Jim McGuinness in his book with regard to my departure from the Donegal Senior Management Team in September 2013,” Gallagher said.
“I will say I am disappointed Jim has chosen to comment on the breakup of the management team at this point. The players, management and backroom team had a very clear understanding that what happened within the group remained within the group.
“Following my departure I did not comment on the matter as this would have been unfair on the players and the new management team whose focus was on the year ahead. I am really looking forward to the new season working with a brilliant squad of players who have given Donegal so much over the last five years.
“The management, players and the County Board will be doing everything in our power to achieve success again for Donegal in 2016.”
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GAA Gaelic Football Jim McGuinness response Rory Gallagher Donegal until victory always