Getty ImagesRory Gallagher has accused GAA boss Jarlath Burns of trying to sabotage his career after he interfered with his potential appointment at Naas GAA.
In a statement to BBC News NI, Gallagher said Burns' actions were “unprecedented” and “misleading” and threatened legal action if the comments were not retracted.
The former Derry County football manager was offered a coaching role with Naas but the offer fell through It was then withdrawn after details of the appointment were announced at the weekend.
It later emerged that Mr Burns had contacted the club to express his concerns about the proposed appointment.
Mr. Gallagher He resigned as Derry manager in 2023 just weeks before the team played in the Ulster senior football final.
This followed allegations of abuse made by his estranged wife Nicola Gallagher, which he denied.
When news of the Naas appointment appeared in the media, the League president spoke to the Naas club president before sending an email which was then read out at a meeting of party officials where it was decided not to go ahead with Mr Gallagher's appointment.
In the email, seen by the BBC, Burns said he felt compelled to share his view given the “potential ramifications for Naas GAA and the wider association”.
He said the decisions taken by the club “reverberate beyond your immediate community” and send “a message about the values we stand by and the standards we set for our members and supporters.”
He also warned of the implications of a game-changing initiative launched by the GAA in November to challenge “social and cultural norms that contribute to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence”.
Following Mr Gallagher's resignation as Derry manager, he was “temporarily banned” by the GAA in September 2023 when an independent panel was asked to investigate allegations made by his estranged wife.
Mr. Gallagher It successfully challenged this ban in February 2024 A statement from his lawyer in September said there was no “legal impediment” preventing him from returning to a senior role in the game.
Gallagher added in his statement to the BBC: “I have dealt with all procedures available to me. The Public Prosecution Office issued two separate decisions and found that I had no case to answer.”
“Despite following due process, it seems clear that the President has now chosen to take matters into his own hands.
“Comments and controversy on social media now appear to be a license for presidential intervention.”
In an email to Naas GAA, Mr Burns said: “The appointment of Rory Gallagher, in light of the allegations made public, threatens to undermine the principles of the Game Change 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.”
Burns added that the appointment was likely to “polarize opinion” and create unnecessary tension within the club, and 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 had a “responsibility to stand up” for what he believed was in the best interests of the association and its members.
“By choosing not to go ahead with this appointment, you will be making a statement about the principles that define Naas GAA,” he added.
Mr Gallagher called on the GAA president to retract his comments.
“I never asked for sympathy or support. But I ask that this action be formally withdrawn and that the contents of the correspondence be withdrawn,” he said.
“The president must set an example and accept when he crosses the line.
“In the absence of such a reversal, I will have no other alternative but to take legal action to remedy the irreparable harm to my and my family’s ability to continue to serve as a director in the years ahead.
When contacted by the GAA, it said it acknowledged receiving inquiries from media organizations “in relation to coaching positions with the Naas senior football team”, but had no comment to make at this time.