Rory Gallagher, former manager of Fermanagh, Donegal, and Derry, has threatened legal action against GAA President Jarlath Burns if he does not retract the contents of an email allegedly sent to Naas GAA Club. The email reportedly influenced the club’s decision not to include Gallagher in the senior football team’s coaching set-up, despite prior discussions about his involvement.
Gallagher, who was initially set to join Naas, expressed his shock at the email and called it an “unprecedented move.” The email, sent ahead of a club executive meeting, was said to have played a role in the club’s decision to withdraw its offer for Gallagher’s appointment.
In a statement released today, Gallagher categorically denied all allegations against him, referring to them as baseless. The controversy stems from serious allegations made against Gallagher regarding his private life, particularly domestic violence claims raised by his former wife, Nicola, in May 2023. Gallagher has maintained his innocence, stating that investigations into the claims were conducted, but no charges were brought against him.
Gallagher’s departure from his role as Derry manager last year followed the allegations, but he made it clear that he intended to return to inter-county management in the future. Despite links to a potential return to Derry, the position ultimately went to Paddy Tally.
The former manager reiterated his position today, stressing that the GAA had lifted its ban on his involvement in activities in September 2023, allowing him to resume coaching. Gallagher is currently coaching Monaghan club Corduff, a position he is expected to continue in 2025.
“I categorically deny the allegations levelled against me,” Gallagher said in his statement. “I have engaged with every procedure available to me. The PPS has issued two separate decisions finding that I have no case to answer. I have full custody of my three children, and most importantly, I engaged with the GAA’s own procedures, which set aside my disbarment.”
Gallagher expressed frustration at what he described as an overreach by Burns, accusing the GAA President of taking matters into his own hands. He has now demanded that Burns retract the contents of the email and publicly apologize for the damage caused to his reputation and career.
“I have never asked for sympathy or support. I do, however, ask that this action is formally withdrawn,” Gallagher said. “Absent such a retraction, I will have no other alternative but to take legal action.”
Burns, in his email, reportedly emphasized that Naas GAA had the right to make its own decisions regarding the coaching appointment. RTÉ Sport has contacted Burns for comment, while a GAA spokesperson declined to make any official statement on the matter at this time.