The GAA has set up a committee to oversee the implementation of recommendations from a review prompted after domestic abuse allegations were made against former Derry football manager Rory Gallagher - the man tipped to potentially return as Oak leaf manager.
The Adult Safeguarding Culture Review task force has been established to “guide” the GAA on the implementation of recommendations arising from the McGibbon Safeguarding Review.
However, when asked to provide details of the recommendations on Monday neither the GAA’s Ulster Council or Croke Park officials responded.
Just last month the Ulster Council said it was still considering the findings of the review.
Donegal native Julie Galbraith, who is a partner in a law firm, has been appointed by GAA President Jarlath Burns to chair the group, which has already met.
“While this is one of our key priorities it is relatively unchartered waters for the GAA, and Irish sport in many ways,” Mr Burns said.
Ms Galbraith praised her fellow committee members adding that she was keen to keen to “ensure that our culture continues to improve and evolve to reflect our values.”
In statement, issued last Friday evening, the GAA said it will begin work on revamping it’s ‘Respect’ initiative, which seeks to implement “a values-based programme that guides all members and units on the behaviours expected of those who hold membership of the Association”.
It also highlighted its work with Ruhama, which fights sexual exploitation, prostitution and human trafficking along with the Men’s Development Network, who are guardians of the White Ribbon campaign, which highlights violence against women, in the south.
The review was ordered to examine Ulster GAA’s response to adult safeguarding practice when concerns are raised about domestic violence and abuse.
A three-person Adult Safeguarding Review panel was chaired by Gareth McGibbon with a report delivered to Ulster GAA chiefs last October.
It was established after Mr Gallagher’s estranged wife, Nicola, claimed that GAA chiefs in Derry and Fermanagh were told about allegations of domestic abuse but took no action.
Mr Gallagher stepped down as Derry manager in the days before the Ulster final last May after the allegations were made by Ms Gallagher in a social media post.
She claimed she was the victim of physical abuse for more than 24 years.
Last year the Public Prosecution Service said it received two investigation files from the PSNI in January and June 2022 and it was determined there was not enough evidence to provide a reasonable prospect of conviction in relation to any individual.
In a statement issued last year through his solicitor, Mr Gallagher said the “allegations against me have been investigated and dealt with by the relevant authorities”.
In September Mr Gallagher was “temporarily debarred” from the GAA until the safeguarding panel concluded its work after he was pictured taking part in a club training session with Corduff Gaels in Co Monaghan.
In February this year the Disputes Resolution Authority lifted the ban after Mr Gallagher lodged an appeal.
It is understood that around this time Derry GAA officials were exploring the option of reappointing Mr Gallagher as senior football manager but the Ulster Council’s intervention forced them to move on.
When asked if Mr Gallagher is among the candidates being considered for the Derry job, the county board did not respond.
