On the face of it, it seems pretty straightforward; either Gallagher was a paid up member on March 31st or he wasn't. But if that is the only issue, it's hard to see how a respected journalist would be prepared to fork out a wad of dosh to fight a case he has no hope of winning.
Right now, we have only heard one side of the story but I don't think we have got the full story-not yet at any rate.
It may not be that simple ,
if the rule was not always implemented and is being used now solely to stop him running the court could well side with him.
Maybe the club did not send in its remittances and member list in time which would make it an arguable case as to was he registered or not , though I believe he no longer reside in the club area any more so it could well have lapsed but does that mean your no longer a member esp if you have a club role a court could rule your a defacto member
back in the day membership numbers used to be pathetic ( at least until mayo started qualifiying for all Irelands)
or for conspiracy fans
he could be being used as a stalking horse(by

?) to get the whole thing into a courtroom where questions would have to be answered
its also an example of where the Ladies game differs from