Northern Ireland

Rory Gallagher threatens legal action over Jarlath Burns email

GAA accused of ‘sabotage’

Derry manager Rory Gallagher speaking at a press day at Owenbeg in 2022 before  the All Ireland Senior Football Championship semi final where Derry played Galway at Croke Park Picture Margaret McLaughlin 1-7-2022.
Former Derry manager Rory Gallagher

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 coaching role with reports that 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.

Join the Irish News Whatsapp channel

In a statement Mr Gallagher said he has now seen an 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 said.

Mr Gallagher has now called on Mr Burns to retract the contents of his correspondence.

“Absent such a retraction, I will have no other alternative but to take legal action to cure the irreparable damage done to me and my family in my ability to continue to work as a manger in the years ahead,” he said.