Perhaps that silence reflects the difficult situation GAA officials find themselves in as Derry look to appoint a new manager ahead of the 2025 season.
Why is this in the news?
A noted former county footballer, Gallagher has made a name for himself in the coaching world since he retired from playing. He was a key part of the Donegal set-up when they won the 2012 All-Ireland under Jim McGuinness and has since had spells in charge of Fermanagh and Derry, leading the Oak Leaf to their first Ulster title in 24 years in 2022.
Last week, the Irish News ran a story stating the Fermanagh native “appears to be the clear favourite” to succeed Mickey Harte and return to the job he held from late 2019 until mid-season in 2023.
Harte lasted just one year in the job, initially making a promising start by winning a Division 1 league title before delivering a miserable championship amidst talk of an unsettled camp. Harte stepped down in July.
And what’s the issue?
In the build-up to last year’s Ulster final, Gallagher left the Derry job in the wake of domestic abuse allegations by his estranged wife, Nicola, that emerged on social media. He eventually stood down from the role.
In response, Gallagher released a statement saying: “The allegations against me have been investigated and dealt with by the relevant authorities. My focus over the past four years has been to protect our children from the ongoing turmoil in our family.”
What has happened since?
Gallagher had been linked with a return to the Derry job before Harte’s appointment in the autumn of 2023.
However, Ulster GAA “temporarily debarred” Gallagher that September, precluding him from taking roles within the association.
A statement read: “Ulster GAA wish to confirm that Mr Rory Gallagher has been temporarily debarred, without prejudice, from the GAA until the Ulster GAA Safeguarding Panel conclude their work. We will not be making any further comment on these matters at this time.”
Last October, the McGibbon safeguarding review was completed. The findings were not publicly released, but Ulster GAA said it was “committed to implementing” the recommendations.
“[We] commissioned an Adult Safeguarding Review in July 2023 to examine our response to adult safeguarding practice, particularly when concerns are raised with us in relation to domestic violence and abuse.
“We welcome the McGibbon Safeguarding Review Report that has now been issued to us. We wish to recognise formally the work of the panel, and those who contributed to it and we will continue to liaise with those parties as we go forward.
“We will take time to consider the findings of the report and we are committed to implementing the recommendations and taking forward the key learnings from it.
“We reaffirm our commitment to the principles of our White Ribbon Pledge and we recognise the value of undertaking this work to strengthen our safeguarding practices and ensuring that all allegations of domestic violence and abuse are responded to in an appropriate way.”
Earlier this month, the GAA’s Adult Safeguarding and Culture Review Task Force, which is charged with guiding the GAA on the implementation of the recommendations arising from the McGibbon Safeguarding Review, had its first meeting.
Where do things stand now?
Gallagher’s debarment from GAA activities was overturned by the Disputes Resolutions Authority. In a 19-page document, published on the DRA’s website, they cleared the way for Gallagher’s return to action.
“Our award will declare invalid the decision of the Respondents to impose debarment on the Claimant and to refuse the appeal taken by the Claimant against that decision,” reads part of the decision.
Gallagher is known to be involved with Monaghan club Corduff, who are in the midst of a SFC campaign.
What has the reaction to a potential reappointment been like?
A representative from Belfast’s Women’s Resource and Development Agency stated the public would be “rightly appalled” by any reappointment, while former Derry footballer Gary Coleman, who was part of the only side from the county to win All-Ireland honours in 1993, is vehemently opposed to the idea.
“I believe that Rory Gallagher should not be appointed Derry manager because of all the allegations,” he said. “And it sets a bad example – and have we no morals in Derry? I don’t care if he’s the best candidate for the job in their opinion, he is not the person for the job in my eyes,” he said.
Conversely, there’s some backing for Gallagher on various social media platforms.
How likely is a return?
There are mixed views on this. Some believe Gallagher is Derry’s first choice while others insist they will look elsewhere. Derry officials have remained tight-lipped on the topic but almost a month has passed since the deadline for the clubs of the county to nominate candidates.
It has been reported that Gallagher was amongst the nominations, along with Glen All-Ireland winning manager Malachy O’Rourke, who stepped away from the process after being linked with the job before Harte’s appointment.
It is not uncommon for committees to be able to nominate their own choices outside of the club’s nominations. And for the moment at least, with the 2025 season still some distance off, time is on their side.
