Gallagher 'fully intends' to return to inter-county management

Rory Gallagher was Derry GAA senior men's manager from 2019 until 2023

Former Derry GAA manager Rory Gallagher has said he "fully intends" to return to inter-county management in a statement issued by his solicitors.

Gallagher was "temporarily debarred" from the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) in September 2023 after Ulster GAA asked an independent panel to investigate claims of abuse made by Gallagher's estranged wife Nicola Gallagher.

Gallagher, who stepped back as Derry boss in May 2023, challenged his ban and the Disputes Resolution Authority (DRA), an independent arbitration body, found in Gallagher's favour following a hearing on 1 February.

"There is no legal impediment to our client undertaking or accepting a role as a GAA Senior Football manager," a statement from Gallagher's solicitors Phoenix Law read.

"Our client fully intends to return to inter county management in the near future.

"Two separate investigations have led - rightly - to decisions by the PPS not to prosecute. Mr Gallagher has not been charged with a single offence," the statement continued.

Gallagher, who led Derry to the 2022 Ulster Football title, returned to senior football management with Monaghan side Corduff after his disbarment was overturned earlier this year.

He has been linked with a return to the Oak Leaf County after Mickey Harte's departure from the role in August after one season in charge.

The statement from his solicitors urged that decisions made on his appointment in any role within the GAA should be "exercised in accordance with the rule of law and due process".

"It is a widely reported fact that our client has now been connected with a number of potential roles within the GAA," the statement added.

"Our client has always been transparent with each of those who have approached him for appointment.

"Decision making must be made lawfully and should never be contaminated by irrelevant social media opinion or comment."