GAA president Jarlath Burns has declined to retract an email he sent to the Naas club regarding their consideration of appointing Rory Gallagher as coach, citing concerns stemming from previous domestic abuse allegations against Gallagher. Gallagher, who vehemently denies the allegations, has demanded a retraction and threatened legal action. Burns addressed the controversy during a pre-recorded interview on the Late Late Show, explaining his motivations and emphasizing the GAA's commitment to addressing issues of domestic violence while upholding its values.
GAA president Jarlath Burns has refused to retract an email he sent to the Naas club expressing concerns about the potential appointment of Rory Gallagher as coach. The email stemmed from allegations of domestic abuse against Gallagher by his estranged wife Nicola, which led to his resignation as Derry football manager in 2023. Gallagher vehemently denied the allegations, pointing out that the PSNI investigated the claims but chose not to pursue them.
His temporary debarment by the Ulster Council pending review was overturned by the GAA's independent arbitration tribunal, the DRA, last February. The Naas appointment ultimately did not materialize. Gallagher, through his solicitors, issued a statement criticizing the president's intervention and demanding a retraction, stating that failure to do so would compel him to pursue legal action to mitigate the damage to his reputation and career prospects.Burns addressed the issue during a pre-recorded interview on Friday's Late Late Show special dedicated to the GAA. He maintained that he would not retract the contents of his email, sent in good faith to a club, and expressed regret that the situation had become a public discussion. He emphasized that the GAA is not about cancel culture and believes in offering pathways for individuals to return. Burns clarified that this was his first public statement on the matter and explained his decision to contact Naas was rooted in his responsibility to uphold the GAA's values and principles. He mentioned the recent partnership between the GAA, Ruhama, and White Ribbon to combat Domestic, Sexual, and Gender-Based Violence (DSGBV), highlighting the importance of addressing these issues within the organization.Burns acknowledged the difference in circumstances between Gallagher's situation and that of Limerick hurler Kyle Hayes, who was convicted of violent disorder last year but continued to play for the county and received an All-Star nomination. He asserted that the role of a coach carries greater responsibility than that of a player, differentiating the influence dynamics. Burns also touched upon an alleged incident involving the Armagh senior football team's trip to the US, currently under investigation by the PSNI. He emphasized the importance of respecting the anonymity of all parties involved and stated that the GAA would abide by legal procedures, adding that he would address the situation publicly when appropriate. He further disclosed his recusal from the association's Critical Incident Team reviewing the Armagh incident, citing his personal connection to the county but assuring that the procedures were robust
GAA Jarlath Burns Rory Gallagher Domestic Abuse Naas Club Late Late Show Sports Integrity
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