ULSTER GAA has said it is still considering the findings of a safeguarding review prompted after domestic abuse allegations were made against former Derry football manager Rory Gallagher.
Details of the long-awaited McGibbon Safeguarding Review have yet to be made public despite being commissioned by the Ulster Council 12 months ago.
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, of McGibbon Consultancy and Safeguarding Services, with a report delivered to Ulster GAA chiefs last October.
The review was established after Mr Gallagher’s estranged wife, Nicola, claimed that GAA chiefs in Derry and Fermanagh were told about allegation’s of domestic abuse but took no action.
Mr Gallagher (45) 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.
When asked if Ulster GAA had completed consideration of the review report and to provide details of the recommendations made, a spokesman said “this is still an ongoing process”.
The same response was provided when also asked to confirm what action has been taken to ensure the recommendations have been implemented.
Mr Gallagher has been linked to the now-vacant Derry manager’s job after three-time All-Ireland winner Mickey Harte stepped down from the role.
Mr Gallagher has also emerged as the bookmakers’ choice for the job with Paddy Power installing him as the 3/2 favourite.
Mr Harte’s selection as Oakleaf manager last year came after Mr Gallagher was temporarily debarred by the Ulster Council.
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 resulted in them moving on.
Asked if Mr Gallagher is being considered for the role of Oakleaf manager, or has been ruled out for the role, a spokesman for the Derry County Board did not respond directly.
“The nomination process was initiated following a meeting (on Tuesday) night.” a spokesman said.
“All clubs in Derry have been contacted seeking nominations for the role of Derry Senior football manager.
“Derry GAA will be making no comments while this process is ongoing.”
It is understood Mr Harte’s replacement may not be selected until the end of July.
