Rory Gallagher

[toby47]

This is getting messier by the week.

I can see both sides of the arguments. In general, Not convicted = not guilty = should be a free man. Meaning if a club/county thinks he comes with too much heat & don't want him that's OK, and their decision to make, but it shouldn't get to the stage of higher powers stepping in.

However Gallagher is a sc*mbag. Speak to ones that know him, grew up with him or even know him from over the years, you will hear the same. I would happily see him never get another coaching role. And I wouldn't say that about many coaches. Ask his own brother Ronan why they fell out for years, he's a bad person. I wouldn't want to see him rewarded. Again, that's my own view. And can understand others who think he hasn't been convicted so should be free to go to whatever club/county he wants.

I agree he's not a nice person, but we have plenty of sc*mbags in the GAA who are free to go about their business that's my main issue, it's a witch-hunt, the fact RG is a d*ck just makes the pile on easier

Very hard for Jarlath to draw the line after this one, that's a big issue.

[Wildweasel74]

Did know the brother fball wise for a short time,years ago,and yes, different type lad altogether.

[Armaghtothebone]

Rory Gallagher has accused the GAA president Jarlath Burns of trying to sabotage his career after he intervened in his potential appointment at Naas GAA.

In a statement to BBC News NI, Mr Gallagher said Mr Burns' actions were "unprecedented" and "misguided" and threatened legal action if the remarks were not retracted.

The former Derry county football manager was offered a coaching role with Naas but the offer was then withdrawn after details of the appointment were made public at the weekend.

It later emerged Mr Burns had contacted the club to express his concern at the proposed appointment.

Mr Gallagher stepped down as Derry manager in 2023 just weeks before the team played in the Ulster Senior Football Final.

It followed allegations of abuse made by his estranged wife Nicola Gallagher, which he denied.

When news of the appointment at Naas appeared in the media, the association's president spoke to the Naas club chairman before sending an email which was then read at a meeting of party officers at which it was decided not to proceed with Mr Gallagher's appointment.

In the email, which has been seen by the BBC, Mr Burns said he felt compelled to share his perspective given the "potential implications for Naas GAA and the wider association".

He said decisions made by the club "reverberate far beyond your immediate community" and send a "message about the values we uphold and the standards we set for our members and supporters".

He also warned of the implications for the GAA's Game Changer Initiative which was launched in November to challenge the "social and cultural norms that contribute to domestic, sexual and gender based violence".
Jarlath Burns has grey short hair and wears glasses with a grey frame. He is wearing a grey suit, white shirt and burgundy tie.
Image caption,

Mr Burns said employing Mr Gallagher could attract negative attention and criticism for the club

After Mr Gallagher resigned as Derry manager, he was "temporarily debarred" by the GAA in September 2023 when an independent panel was asked to investigate the claims made by his estranged wife.

Mr Gallagher successfully challenged that debarment in February 2024 and a statement from his solicitors in September said there was no "legal impediment" to prevent him returning to a senior role in the game.

"I have engaged with every procedure available to me. The PPS have issued two separate decisions finding that I have no case to answer," Mr Gallagher added in his statement to the BBC.

"Despite having engaged with due process and procedure, it seems clear that the president has now opted to take matters into his own hands.

"It seems that social media commentary and controversy now equates to a license for presidential intervention."

In the email to Naas GAA, Mr Burns said 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".

He added: "The controversy surrounding his personal life has created significant division and concern within the wider GAA community.

"Such a decision by Naas GAA could have far reaching consequences."

Mr Burns added the appointment would likely "polarise opinion" and create unnecessary tension within the club and he questioned the "confusing message" it would send to younger members.

In conclusion the GAA president said he had "no authority to dictate club decisions" but he had a "responsibility to advocate" for what he believed was in the best interests of the association and its members.

"By choosing not to proceed with this appointment you will be making a statement about the principles that define Naas GAA," he added.

Mr Gallagher has called on the GAA president to withdraw his remarks.

"I have never asked for sympathy or support. I do however ask that this action is formally withdrawn and the contents of the correspondence is retracted," he said.

"The president should lead by example and accept when he has overstepped the mark.

"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."


Surely he means volunteer?

He is 100% right to issue that statement, fair play to him. I don't like how he acts on the sidelines but there's been a complete witch hunt for him and it's surely taking a Toal on him and his family. Let the man get on with his life. Many people in the GAA have been convicted of things, served their time and are free to get back at it but just because RG is high profile he's not.

One simple question.
If he's going to court re. Jarlath why did he not issue libel proceedings against the wife of former Fermanagh player Stepen Maguire.
30 seconds on GOOGLE and I can find it.. it's pretty damning
If Gallagher disputes her account why not sue for libel.
I suspect the last place Gallagher wants to be is anywhere near a courtroom.

[Saffron_sam20]

Rory Gallagher has accused the GAA president Jarlath Burns of trying to sabotage his career after he intervened in his potential appointment at Naas GAA.

In a statement to BBC News NI, Mr Gallagher said Mr Burns' actions were "unprecedented" and "misguided" and threatened legal action if the remarks were not retracted.

The former Derry county football manager was offered a coaching role with Naas but the offer was then withdrawn after details of the appointment were made public at the weekend.

It later emerged Mr Burns had contacted the club to express his concern at the proposed appointment.

Mr Gallagher stepped down as Derry manager in 2023 just weeks before the team played in the Ulster Senior Football Final.

It followed allegations of abuse made by his estranged wife Nicola Gallagher, which he denied.

When news of the appointment at Naas appeared in the media, the association's president spoke to the Naas club chairman before sending an email which was then read at a meeting of party officers at which it was decided not to proceed with Mr Gallagher's appointment.

In the email, which has been seen by the BBC, Mr Burns said he felt compelled to share his perspective given the "potential implications for Naas GAA and the wider association".

He said decisions made by the club "reverberate far beyond your immediate community" and send a "message about the values we uphold and the standards we set for our members and supporters".

He also warned of the implications for the GAA's Game Changer Initiative which was launched in November to challenge the "social and cultural norms that contribute to domestic, sexual and gender based violence".
Jarlath Burns has grey short hair and wears glasses with a grey frame. He is wearing a grey suit, white shirt and burgundy tie.
Image caption,

Mr Burns said employing Mr Gallagher could attract negative attention and criticism for the club

After Mr Gallagher resigned as Derry manager, he was "temporarily debarred" by the GAA in September 2023 when an independent panel was asked to investigate the claims made by his estranged wife.

Mr Gallagher successfully challenged that debarment in February 2024 and a statement from his solicitors in September said there was no "legal impediment" to prevent him returning to a senior role in the game.

"I have engaged with every procedure available to me. The PPS have issued two separate decisions finding that I have no case to answer," Mr Gallagher added in his statement to the BBC.

"Despite having engaged with due process and procedure, it seems clear that the president has now opted to take matters into his own hands.

"It seems that social media commentary and controversy now equates to a license for presidential intervention."

In the email to Naas GAA, Mr Burns said 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".

He added: "The controversy surrounding his personal life has created significant division and concern within the wider GAA community.

"Such a decision by Naas GAA could have far reaching consequences."

Mr Burns added the appointment would likely "polarise opinion" and create unnecessary tension within the club and he questioned the "confusing message" it would send to younger members.

In conclusion the GAA president said he had "no authority to dictate club decisions" but he had a "responsibility to advocate" for what he believed was in the best interests of the association and its members.

"By choosing not to proceed with this appointment you will be making a statement about the principles that define Naas GAA," he added.

Mr Gallagher has called on the GAA president to withdraw his remarks.

"I have never asked for sympathy or support. I do however ask that this action is formally withdrawn and the contents of the correspondence is retracted," he said.

"The president should lead by example and accept when he has overstepped the mark.

"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."


Surely he means volunteer?

He is 100% right to issue that statement, fair play to him. I don't like how he acts on the sidelines but there's been a complete witch hunt for him and it's surely taking a Toal on him and his family. Let the man get on with his life. Many people in the GAA have been convicted of things, served their time and are free to get back at it but just because RG is high profile he's not.

One simple question.
If he's going to court re. Jarlath why did he not issue libel proceedings against the wife of former Fermanagh player Stepen Maguire.
30 seconds on GOOGLE and I can find it.. it's pretty damning
If Gallagher disputes her account why not sue for libel.
I suspect the last place Gallagher wants to be is anywhere near a courtroom.

Probably because he was advised to just say nothing at the time and let it run its course, I'm sure it's common practice.

[nrico2006]

I think people should carefully read the report on BBC on the sentencing of Stuart Hogg (a former Scottish rugby international) today. Given the GAA has signed up to address violence against women and girls, Jarlath has acted appropriately.  Necessary, legal and proportionate. I look forward to the threatened legal challenge. Plus...it wasn't a solo run from Jarlath. The Naas club should indicate if they received any communication from members, supporters and sponsors.

Why is Burns silent on the Armagh sexual assault situation?

[tbrick18]

The biggest losers in all of this are the kids that he is looking after, if they are at school age and this is all going on in the background it generally ends up with causing unnecessary grief for them..

Very sad state of affairs being aired across social media and local media

 

100% agree.
Even in the future they will see all of this content online.
Unpopular opinion as this may be, his ex-wife putting the allegations on social media are what put the details on line and started the snowball effect.
She obviously didn't think too much about the kids when making that very public statement.
There are legal means and I assume civil court means to pursue her allegations without the social media route. At best it was not a well thought out approach and as it has transpired I assume would make it more difficult to get a conviction against RG in the future.

[tbrick18]

I think people should carefully read the report on BBC on the sentencing of Stuart Hogg (a former Scottish rugby international) today. Given the GAA has signed up to address violence against women and girls, Jarlath has acted appropriately.  Necessary, legal and proportionate. I look forward to the threatened legal challenge. Plus...it wasn't a solo run from Jarlath. The Naas club should indicate if they received any communication from members, supporters and sponsors.

Hogg convicted in court after due process - deserves all he gets in my opinion.
Gallagher - never been to court, or been charged, or sentenced.

Comparing apples and oranges here.

[tbrick18]

This is getting messier by the week.

I can see both sides of the arguments. In general, Not convicted = not guilty = should be a free man. Meaning if a club/county thinks he comes with too much heat & don't want him that's OK, and their decision to make, but it shouldn't get to the stage of higher powers stepping in.

However Gallagher is a sc*mbag. Speak to ones that know him, grew up with him or even know him from over the years, you will hear the same. I would happily see him never get another coaching role. And I wouldn't say that about many coaches. Ask his own brother Ronan why they fell out for years, he's a bad person. I wouldn't want to see him rewarded. Again, that's my own view. And can understand others who think he hasn't been convicted so should be free to go to whatever club/county he wants.

I agree he's not a nice person, but we have plenty of sc*mbags in the GAA who are free to go about their business that's my main issue, it's a witch-hunt, the fact RG is a d*ck just makes the pile on easier

I don't know the man, and he might not be a nice person for all I know. But there are plenty of players, officials and GAA employees who are not nice people and there are plenty of d*cks.
Burns has completely overstepped the mark here regardless of his personal opinion.

If you lost your private sector job over allegations someone made about you, which you were never charged with or sentenced for and then found out an old boss intervened to stop you getting the next job what would you do? You go to to an employment tribunal and seek damages.

[tbrick18]

Rory Gallagher has accused the GAA president Jarlath Burns of trying to sabotage his career after he intervened in his potential appointment at Naas GAA.

In a statement to BBC News NI, Mr Gallagher said Mr Burns' actions were "unprecedented" and "misguided" and threatened legal action if the remarks were not retracted.

The former Derry county football manager was offered a coaching role with Naas but the offer was then withdrawn after details of the appointment were made public at the weekend.

It later emerged Mr Burns had contacted the club to express his concern at the proposed appointment.

Mr Gallagher stepped down as Derry manager in 2023 just weeks before the team played in the Ulster Senior Football Final.

It followed allegations of abuse made by his estranged wife Nicola Gallagher, which he denied.

When news of the appointment at Naas appeared in the media, the association's president spoke to the Naas club chairman before sending an email which was then read at a meeting of party officers at which it was decided not to proceed with Mr Gallagher's appointment.

In the email, which has been seen by the BBC, Mr Burns said he felt compelled to share his perspective given the "potential implications for Naas GAA and the wider association".

He said decisions made by the club "reverberate far beyond your immediate community" and send a "message about the values we uphold and the standards we set for our members and supporters".

He also warned of the implications for the GAA's Game Changer Initiative which was launched in November to challenge the "social and cultural norms that contribute to domestic, sexual and gender based violence".
Jarlath Burns has grey short hair and wears glasses with a grey frame. He is wearing a grey suit, white shirt and burgundy tie.
Image caption,

Mr Burns said employing Mr Gallagher could attract negative attention and criticism for the club

After Mr Gallagher resigned as Derry manager, he was "temporarily debarred" by the GAA in September 2023 when an independent panel was asked to investigate the claims made by his estranged wife.

Mr Gallagher successfully challenged that debarment in February 2024 and a statement from his solicitors in September said there was no "legal impediment" to prevent him returning to a senior role in the game.

"I have engaged with every procedure available to me. The PPS have issued two separate decisions finding that I have no case to answer," Mr Gallagher added in his statement to the BBC.

"Despite having engaged with due process and procedure, it seems clear that the president has now opted to take matters into his own hands.

"It seems that social media commentary and controversy now equates to a license for presidential intervention."

In the email to Naas GAA, Mr Burns said 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".

He added: "The controversy surrounding his personal life has created significant division and concern within the wider GAA community.

"Such a decision by Naas GAA could have far reaching consequences."

Mr Burns added the appointment would likely "polarise opinion" and create unnecessary tension within the club and he questioned the "confusing message" it would send to younger members.

In conclusion the GAA president said he had "no authority to dictate club decisions" but he had a "responsibility to advocate" for what he believed was in the best interests of the association and its members.

"By choosing not to proceed with this appointment you will be making a statement about the principles that define Naas GAA," he added.

Mr Gallagher has called on the GAA president to withdraw his remarks.

"I have never asked for sympathy or support. I do however ask that this action is formally withdrawn and the contents of the correspondence is retracted," he said.

"The president should lead by example and accept when he has overstepped the mark.

"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."


Surely he means volunteer?

He is 100% right to issue that statement, fair play to him. I don't like how he acts on the sidelines but there's been a complete witch hunt for him and it's surely taking a Toal on him and his family. Let the man get on with his life. Many people in the GAA have been convicted of things, served their time and are free to get back at it but just because RG is high profile he's not.

One simple question.
If he's going to court re. Jarlath why did he not issue libel proceedings against the wife of former Fermanagh player Stepen Maguire.
30 seconds on GOOGLE and I can find it.. it's pretty damning
If Gallagher disputes her account why not sue for libel.
I suspect the last place Gallagher wants to be is anywhere near a courtroom.

Yep - she might be telling the truth. But we'll never know.
And maybe he is suing for libel, how would we know if he is or isn't?

I would imagine the authorities would have spoken to the Maguire woman too. Again, GOOGLE is not a source of truth, its just a tool for throwing out information that may or may not be true.
If GOOGLE was the answer, just ask google if the perp is guilty at the next court case and save a fortune on solicitors, barristers and court time.

[Halfquarter]

This is getting messier by the week.

I can see both sides of the arguments. In general, Not convicted = not guilty = should be a free man. Meaning if a club/county thinks he comes with too much heat & don't want him that's OK, and their decision to make, but it shouldn't get to the stage of higher powers stepping in.

However Gallagher is a sc*mbag. Speak to ones that know him, grew up with him or even know him from over the years, you will hear the same. I would happily see him never get another coaching role. And I wouldn't say that about many coaches. Ask his own brother Ronan why they fell out for years, he's a bad person. I wouldn't want to see him rewarded. Again, that's my own view. And can understand others who think he hasn't been convicted so should be free to go to whatever club/county he wants.

Wow ! A lot of libellous stuff in that statement, you must have deep pockets .

[Captain Obvious]

Jarlath Burns has grey short hair and wears glasses with a grey frame. He is wearing a grey suit, white shirt and burgundy tie.

Some serious detail there..

[Dubh driocht]

I think people should carefully read the report on BBC on the sentencing of Stuart Hogg (a former Scottish rugby international) today. Given the GAA has signed up to address violence against women and girls, Jarlath has acted appropriately.  Necessary, legal and proportionate. I look forward to the threatened legal challenge. Plus...it wasn't a solo run from Jarlath. The Naas club should indicate if they received any communication from members, supporters and sponsors.

Hogg convicted in court after due process - deserves all he gets in my opinion.
Gallagher - never been to court, or been charged, or sentenced.

Comparing apples and oranges here.

Hogg pleaded guilty.  There was no trial. He took responsibility for shouting and swearing in an abusive manner. I was interested in the comments from the procurator fiscal, where she recognised the devastating impact of domestic abuse and the trauma suffered by victims. Stuart Hogg deserves credit for accepting his guilt and he is now continuing his rugby career with Montpellier.

[Spike]

The biggest losers in all of this are the kids that he is looking after, if they are at school age and this is all going on in the background it generally ends up with causing unnecessary grief for them..

Very sad state of affairs being aired across social media and local media

 

100% agree.
Even in the future they will see all of this content online.
Unpopular opinion as this may be, his ex-wife putting the allegations on social media are what put the details on line and started the snowball effect.
She obviously didn't think too much about the kids when making that very public statement.
There are legal means and I assume civil court means to pursue her allegations without the social media route. At best it was not a well thought out approach and as it has transpired I assume would make it more difficult to get a conviction against RG in the future.

I wonder did he think about the kids and the effect on them when knocking ten bells out of her for 20 years? (alleged by the ex-wife and a publicly named source).

[PAULD123]

My View:

Firstly it's complex, I don't think there is an simple way through it. But:

His Character -

• There are lots of people ready to comment that RG is unlikable
• Although you have to be cautious about bandwagon jumpers
• I have not heard a lot of people saying he's a lovey sweet guy
• So, I would conclude he may well not the nicest guy around
• But... is that critical?

The accusations -

• The accusations are horrible.
• Though just because they are made doesn't mean they are true
• These have been investigated by the Gardai, the PSNI, the courts (family), and the DRA
• No conviction or sanction was imposed by any of these bodies
• In fact no charge or even arrest was ever made
• The DRA said there was no case to answer
• The PPS said that there were no grounds for a prosecution
• However, on the other hand, RG has never denied the accusations publicly

The accuser -

• Nicola clearly has personal issues apart from this direct accusation.
• The marriage ended toxically.
• With reference to the family court above. These accusations were considered as part of the custody hearings and yet the court granted RG full custody of the children.
• I hardly need to point out that full custody to a father is relatively rare.
• But that would not give him an excuse, even given a toxic environment, for physically assaulting a woman
• It is wrong to victim blame and women speaking up should be given the benefit of the doubt.
• But with all the investigations reaching conclusions in RG's favour it can't be denied that some doubt has been created.
• The lack of action would make me wonder what corroboration there was, Nicola claimed people were present, surely if they could back up the accusation there would at least have been some action?
• Equally, in no way unless it is proven otherwise, should Nicola's claims be dismissed. Such claims should be taken seriously.
• None of us can know for sure if the accusations are fact, but we can be sure that a young lady is deeply unhappy in life and that she is suffering. We should all wish her the best.
• The single most important thing is that we don't know. We don't know if he subjected her to violence, and we don't know if he didn't.

Jarlath Burns -

• Jarlath Burns has ignored the findings of the DRA
• He has used his position to put pressure on Naas
• Given all the doubt above, how much is not fully known, that would appear an overreach to me
• Is it not hypocritical? he has not intervened against any other individual despite plenty of GAA managers and players actually being convicted of offences in court
• It is hard to see that Burns has made this decision on anything other than social media.
• If his argument is that he doesn't want specifically abusers of women to be in the GAA then I ask if he has written to the club of the Armagh player, that was arrested for indecent assault recently, to be dropped by his club and county?

Work as a manger? -

• Minor side comment here. In his statement Gallagher mentioned working as a manger. What is his tax return record on being employed as a manger? Isn't the GAA supposed to be volunteers? His admission of working should really be of interest to the Revenue Commissioners. (as i said complete side point)

Conclusions -

• We do not know if the accusations are fact
• We do know that Nicola is not in a good place and we should all be sympathetic to her
• We simply cannot state with certainty that RG has done anything to mean he does not deserve a coaching role in the GAA.
• But all investigations, including GAA, have cleared him and I don't think we have anything more to go on than to accept the findings of those with the detailed information.
• In my opinion he should not therefore be denied the opportunity to work unless other information can be proven
• This is the simplest one - In my opinion Jarlath Burns was out of order, going against his own DRA findings and singling out an individual. It was an abuse of his position and laced with hypocrisy

Finally, I do not think highly of him. I would tend to believe that there is at least some partial value in the accusations. I am drawn towards thinking that whatever happened, he was unlikely to have treated he kindly in their relationship. I don't think I would want to be associated with him. But I can't say there is any solid reason for preventing hm for taking a role he is offered.

Independent of all of that, with RG being cleared by the DRA, I think Jarlath Burns was very wrong.

[Wildweasel74]

Putting the brackets in, doesn't cover u from libel.lol