Former Derry manager Rory Gallagher has threatened legal action over claims GAA President Jarlath Burns tried to “sabotage” his appointment to a coaching role.
Earlier this week Kildare county champions Naas backtracked on a decision to appoint Mr Gallagher to a backroom job after GAA President Jarlath Burns contacted the club to express concerns.
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.
Mr Gallagher denies the allegations.
In 2023 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.
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 the former Fermanagh star taking part in a training session with Co Monaghan club Corduff Gaels.
In February the Disputes Resolution Authority lifted the ban, clearing the way for Mr Gallagher to return to management.
An attempt to reappoint Mr Gallagher as Derry manager ended last September when he was eventually ruled out by Oakleaf GAA chiefs.
Earlier this week it emerged Mr Gallagher was now being lined up for a coaching position at Naas.
The club later did a U-Turn after Mr Burns, who took up his presidency of the GAA last year, intervened.
In an email sent to the club, seen by the Irish News, the GAA president said he was writing with “a sense of concern following the media reports.…regarding the potential appointment of Rory Gallagher as a coach at Naas GAA”.
Mr Burns referred to the GAA’s Game Changer Initiative, which seeks to use Gaelic games to challenge domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence.
“The appointment of Rory Gallagher, given the allegations that have been made public, risks undermining the principles of the Game Changer Initiative and the positive work being done across the GAA to address issues of respect and inclusion,” Mr Burns wrote.
“While Gallagher has publicly stated that no charges were brought against him, the controversy surrounding his personal life has created significant division and concern within the wider GAA community.”
Mr Burns added that Mr Gallagher’s appointment could have “far-reaching consequences” and urged club officials, “to carefully consider the broader implications of this appointment”.
“As President of the GAA, I have no authority to dictate club decisions, but I do have a responsibility to advocate for what I believe is in the best interests of the association and its members,” he added.
In a hard-hitting response Mr Gallagher said he has seen the email sent by Mr Burns on January 5.
“Mr Burns in what can only be described as an unprecedented move, has made a direct approach to Naas GAA in an effort to sabotage my potential appointment,” he claimed in a statement through his solicitor.
“With great power comes great responsibility.”
The former Fermanagh star said the action of Mr Burns “are premised on a misguided and self-serving compulsion to share his concern” adding that “regrettably this is not the first time that I have been informed that he has taken matters into his own hands with respect to me, and my family life”
Mr Gallagher, who has also managed his home county and Donegal, “categorically” went on to again deny all allegations made against him.
“I have engaged with every procedure available to me,” he said.
“The PPS have issued two separate decisions finding that I have no case to answer.
“I have the full custody of my three children, and most importantly I engaged with the GAA’s own procedures which set aside my disbarment.”
He said that despite having engaged with the due process and procedure “it seems clear that the president has now opted to take matters into his own hands”.
“Such action is not only without precedent, it seeks to enter into an authoritarian world where due process and procedure count for nothing,” he added.
“I await with interest to see if Mr Burns takes such direct personal action against others who find their private life the subject of social media commentary and hyperbole.
“The chilling effect of these actions cannot be greater.”
Mr Gallagher said the actions of Mr Burns “not only undermine the very principles of fairness and equality to which the GAA is premised, but it sends a clear message that such dictatorial action can and will be taken, when the President sees fit”.
Mr Gallagher said Mr Burns must issue a retraction or face legal action.