Ex-Derry boss taking action against GAA over Jarlath Burns intervention

Former Derry boss, Rory Gallagher, has taken action in the High Court and is seeking damages against the GAA, over an email sent to Naas GAA by GAA president Jarlath Burns.

Gallagher, who led the Oak Leafers to the 2022 Ulster SFC title, stepped down as boss just days before the 2023 final, which they also won, following allegations of abuse from his estranged wife.

He has denied these claims and was never charged.

Back in January it looked likely that Gallagher would take up a role as part of Joe Murphy’s backroom team with Naas, before a sudden U-turn put an end to this.

It was then revealed that Burns had sent an email to the club, voicing his concerns over the appointment.

Burns referenced the GAA’s Game Changer initiative, which was brought in to help tackle domestic violence.

Gallagher then threatened to sue, but Burns refused to retract his email.

A statement released by Gallagher at the the time, said: “With great power comes great responsibility. Mr Burns’ actions are premised on a misguided and self-serving compulsion to share his concern. Regrettably, whilst this is the first time Mr Burns’ actions have been made public, this is not the first time that I have been informed that he has taken matters into his own hands with respect to me and my family life.

“By Mr Burns’ own admission, his motivation is the “controversy” surrounding my “personal life” that “has created division”

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

“Such action is not only without precedent, it seeks to enter into an authoritarian world where due process and procedure count for nothing.

“I await with interest to see if Mr Burns takes such direct personal action against others who find their private life the subject of social media commentary and hyperbole.

“The chilling effect of these actions cannot be greater. Mr Burns’ actions not only undermine the very principles of fairness and equality to which the GAA is premised, but it sends a clear message that such dictatorial action can and will be taken when the President sees fit.

“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 I do however ask that this action is formally withdrawn and the contents of the correspondence is retracted. 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 manager in the years ahead.”