Former Derry football manager Rory Gallagher has said he “fully intends” to return to inter-county management “in the near future”.
The ex-Fermanagh star continues to be linked with a return to the Oakleaf job, which he left under a cloud of controversy last year.
Mr Gallagher stepped down as Derry manager in the days before the Ulster final in May 2023 after his estranged wife Nicola made allegations of domestic abuse against him.
She claimed she was the victim of physical abuse for more than 24 years and that GAA chiefs in Derry and Fermanagh were told but took no action.
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.
No charges have ever been brought and in a statement issued through his solicitor last year, Mr Gallagher said the “allegations against me have been investigated and dealt with by the relevant authorities”.
The Ulster Council later established a review, chaired by consultant Gareth McGibbon, to examine the GAA’s response to adult safeguarding practice when concerns are raised about domestic violence and abuse.
In September last year Mr Gallagher was “temporarily debarred” by Ulster officials while it continued with the review.
The move came after pictures emerged of Mr Gallagher taking part in a training session with Co Monaghan club Corduff Gaels, which he is still involved with.
In February the Disputes Resolution Authority (DRA) lifted the ban, clearing the way for Mr Gallagher to return to management.
Details of recommendations contained in the McGibbon Safeguarding Review have not been made public, although a special task force has been set up by GAA president Jarlath Burns to implement its findings.
It is understood plans by the Derry County Board to reappoint Mr Gallagher were scuppered last year after he was “temporarily debarred”.
His solicitor Darragh Mackin, of Phoenix Law, last night said Mr Gallagher fully intends to return to top-flight county football soon. It is understood Mr Gallagher’s legal team has written to the Derry County Board setting out his position.
Mr Mackin added that there “there is no legal impediment to our client undertaking or accepting a role as a GAA senior football manager”.
“Following unfounded allegations made last year, a decision was taken by Ulster GAA to disbar him from the GAA,” he said.
“Our client successfully challenged the decision to disbar him from the GAA, before the disputes resolution authority (DRA).
“The DRA found, amongst other things, that Ulster GAA were incorrect in their decision to disbar Mr Gallagher.”
Mr Mackin said his client has since returned to football management with Corduff in Co Monaghan.
“Therefore, put simply, there is no legal barrier to our client returning to inter county GAA management,” he said.
“Indeed, our client fully intends to return to inter-county management in the near future.”
The solicitor added that following the allegations made against his client he “has engaged with every statutory process pertaining to his private family situation, and countered the allegations made against him by his ex-wife”.
“Crucially, he has engaged with all criminal investigations and answered all questions posed to him by the police,” he said.
“At all stages of this process, our client has firmly and steadfastly denied his guilt and refuted all the allegations levelled against him.
“Two separate investigations have led - rightly - to decisions by the PPS not to prosecute. Mr Gallagher has not been charged with a single offence.”
Speculation about Mr Gallagher’s possible return to the Derry job has divided opinion in the county.
Speaking last month former Derry All-Ireland winner Gary Coleman said he would boycott future games if Mr Gallagher is reappointed.
A member of Derry’s historic 1993 All-Ireland winning team, Mr Coleman is the son of former Oakleaf boss Eamonn Coleman, who guided the county to national glory over three decades ago.
Former Derry ladies star Nodlaig Ni Bhrollaigh previously said trust in the GAA “has been shaken” over the controversy.
Mr Mackin said his client’s priority continues to be “caring for his children and trying to rebuild his family” through what he describes as a “a very difficult time for all concerned”.
“He has tried to navigate this situation while prioritising his family’s interests,” he added.
He said Mr Gallagher’s decision to go public came after consultation with his children.
“Regrettably, given continued ‘trial by social media’, our client, after consultation with his three young children, has had no alternative but to make the instant details public,” he said.
“Put simply, our client has engaged with every process available to him to address the allegations made, and to overcome what has been an incredibly challenging period for his family.
“In doing so, he has been exonerated on two separate occasions by the prosecutorial authorities, his disbarment has been overturned by the DRA, and he continues to care for his children on a full-time basis.”
The lawyer said the legal position “is clear”.
“The rule of law and due process exist for a reason,” he said. “They exist to allow persons who are accused, to have a fair trial, and for findings to be made on a properly informed basis after all sides have been heard.
“The subject matter here is of a deeply sensitive and personal nature.”
The lawyer added that his client has been connected with a “number of potential roles within the GAA” and has always “been transparent with each of those who have approached him for appointment”.
“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,” he said.
“Decision making must be made lawfully and should never be contaminated by irrelevant social media opinion or comment.
“The GAA has long upheld principles of fairness and equality, ensuring that every individual is assessed based on their merits and contribution to the sport.”
Mr Mackin added that the GAA’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,” he said.
“Any decisions made within the GAA about future contributions should reflect these core values, ensuring fairness and adherence to established legal and ethical standards.”
