There was confusion last night after the GAA in Ulster said recommendations made after domestic abuse allegations were made against former Derry football manager Rory Gallagher remain “under review” despite a special committee being set up to implement its findings.
The Adult Safeguarding Culture Review Task Force has been established by GAA chiefs at Croke Park to “guide” the association on the implementation of recommendations arising from the McGibbon Safeguarding Review.
Details of the task force emerged as strong speculation continues to link Mr Gallagher with a return to the vacant Derry manager’s job.
When asked if Mr Gallagher is among the candidates being considered for the high-profile post, a spokesman for Derry county board said the appointment process “is ongoing and we will be making no further comment until it is concluded”.
Lawyer and Donegal native Julie Galbraith has been selected by GAA President Jarlath Burns to chair the new task force, which has already met.
Despite this, when asked to provide details of the McGibbon review recommendations, a spokesman for the Ulster Council said they “still remain under review”.
Croke Park officials failed to respond when asked a similar question.
The review was ordered to examine Ulster GAA’s response to adult safeguarding practice when concerns are raised about domestic violence and abuse.
It was set up 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 domestic abuse allegations were made by Ms Gallagher in a social media post.
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 in Co Monaghan.
In February the Disputes Resolution Authority lifted the ban after Mr Gallagher lodged an appeal.
It is understood that around this time Derry GAA officials considering reappointing Mr Gallagher as senior football manager but the Ulster Council’s intervention forced them to abandon the plan.
