Rory Gallagher front-runner to return to Derry job

RORY Gallagher appears to be the clear favourite for a return to the Derry job amid the process to find Mickey Harte’s successor.

The former Fermanagh forward was in charge of the Oak Leafers from the end of 2019 until the eve of the Ulster final in 2023, when he was forced to step back just days before the game following allegations of domestic abuse made by his ex-wife Nicola.

That led to his permanent departure for the job soon after Derry had retained their Ulster title under Ciaran Meenagh, who would bring them within a whisker of beating Kerry in the All-Ireland semi-final.

Derry had attempted to reappoint Gallagher at the end of the 2023 season but were halted by an announcement by the GAA that he was “temporarily debarred” from the association.

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That ban was lifted earlier this year by the Disputes Resolution Authority and he has since been coaching with Monaghan club Corduff.

It’s understood that Gallagher is very keen on a return to the Derry job and that he has the backing of some high-ranking officials and a leading group of players.

Gallagher was seen with Derry officials in the stand at Healy Park during the Ulster minor football final between Derry and Armagh earlier this year and has retained close links with a number of members of the panel.

Clubs were given the opportunity to nominate candidates for the role up until July 25, four days before the All-Ireland final.

Derry officials have remained tight-lipped throughout the process but a number of clubs are understood to have nominated Gallagher.

Malachy O’Rourke is also believed to have been nominated.

The Glen manager was approached last autumn after it became apparent that they would not be able to appoint Gallagher, but O’Rourke turned the role down before Harte took over in a surprise move.

It remains highly unlikely that the former Monaghan boss will be the man to take over in Derry, particularly given that Glen’s latest championship campaign is now underway.

While Gallagher is seen as the clear frontrunner, it will be three weeks tomorrow since the deadline for nominations passed and there has been no meeting called yet to ratify a new manager.

Seamus McEnaney, manager of Corduff where Gallagher is currently coaching, has been linked with a possible role.

There remain hurdles to clear before he would be appointed, including the formation of a backroom team and ensuring that clubs ratify the move.

At least 50 per cent of delegates would have to back his reappointment.

Even when he was originally appointed in 2019, the club vote went against him but the weight of the executive committee’s votes saw him appointed.