RORY GALLAGHER “FULLY intends to return to inter-county management in the near future,” according to a statement made through the former Derry manager’s solicitor.
Gallagher stepped down as the manager of the Derry senior footballers in May 2023 following domestic abuse allegations made by his estranged wife, Nicola Gallagher.
Gallagher said at the time that any allegations against him had been investigated and no charges were brought.
His solicitor, Darragh Mackin from Phoenix Law, reiterated on Friday that Gallagher has “firmly and steadfastly denied his guilt” and “refuted all the allegations”.
The Ulster Council decided last September to ban Gallagher from coaching teams while an ongoing safeguarding investigation was taking place.
The Disputes Resolution Authority (DRA) lifted the ban on Gallagher following a hearing on 1 February this year. An independent arbitration body ruled in his favour, meaning he was free to return to coaching.
“There is no legal impediment to our client undertaking or accepting a role as a GAA senior football manager,” Mackin said in a statement sent to The 42.
“Our client successfully challenged the decision to disbar him from the GAA, before the Disputes Resolution Authority.”
“The DRA found, amongst other things, that Ulster GAA were incorrect in their decision to disbar Mr Gallagher.”
Mackin said Gallagher has since returned to club management with Corduff in Monaghan.
“Therefore, put simply, there is no legal barrier to our client returning to inter county GAA management. Indeed, our client fully intends to return to inter-county management in the near future.”
Mackin added: “Crucially, he has engaged with all criminal investigations and answered all questions posed to him by the police.
“At all stages of this process, our client has firmly and steadfastly denied his guilt and refuted all the allegations levelled against him.”
Mackin said that any decision to appoint Gallagher to role in the GAA should be made “lawfully” and not be “contaminated by irrelevant social media opinion or comment”.
“It is a widely reported fact that our client has now been connected with a number of potential roles within the GAA,” Mackin said.
“Our client has always been transparent with each of those who have approached him for appointment. Today, for the reasons touched upon above, our client makes those details public.
“Any decision to appoint our client in any role within the GAA should be exercised in accordance with the rule of law and due process. Decision making must be made lawfully and should never be contaminated by irrelevant social media opinion or comment.”
Mackin added: “The Association’s commitment to viewing all members without prejudice is central to its role in communities across the country. This inclusive ethos is particularly relevant in decisions of leadership and management where the GAA’s dedication to impartiality and respect for due process should visibly guide its actions.
“Any decisions made within the GAA about future contributions should reflect these core values, ensuring fairness and adherence to established legal and ethical standards.”
