Police investigated domestic abuse allegations against Derry manager Rory Gallagher in 2022

Derry manager Rory Gallagher. File Picture: Ben McShane/Sportsfile

Police in Northern Ireland investigated allegations of domestic abuse against Derry GAA manager Rory Gallagher last year.

A spokesperson for Northern Ireland's Public Prosecution Service (PPS) told the Irish Examiner it received two investigation files from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) in January and June 2022.

“All the available evidence in these two files was considered in line with the PPS Code for Prosecutors.

"It was determined that there was insufficient evidence to provide a reasonable prospect of conviction for any offence in relation to any individual," the spokesperson said.

“Decisions not to prosecute any individual issued in January 2022 and September 2022.”

The spokesperson also said that decisions by the PPS are taken strictly in accordance with its two-stage Test for Prosecution.

Earlier, Rory Gallagher released a statement after his estranged wife made “a number of serious allegations” against him.

In a Facebook post, Nicola Gallagher made multiple allegations of domestic abuse, and alleged that she had been the victim of serious domestic violence for 20 years.

Rory Gallagher said on Thursday in response to the social media post that allegations made against him had been “investigated and dealt with by the relevant authorities”.

In a statement issued on his behalf by his solicitors, Logan and Corry Solicitors, the Derry manager said their marriage had broken down more than four years ago.

He continued: “Those closest to our family are well aware of the reasons for the breakdown of our marriage and the continued issues we have faced since that time. Following long running court proceedings in Family Courts in both jurisdictions, I was granted a full Residence Order in respect of our three young children on 17th February 2023. This outcome was recommended by social services.” 

He continued: “My focus over the past four years has been to protect our children from the ongoing turmoil in our family.

“I have left this matter in the hands of my legal team and ask that the privacy of our family is respected at this time. I will not be making any further public comment on this matter.” 

On Thursday afternoon, Ulster GAA's Provincial Secretary and CEO Brian McAvoy said that while his organisation "cannot comment or make judgement on any specific allegation or allegations" it "does not condone any form of domestic violence."

"We are proud to have joined with White Ribbon NI in pledging to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women," Mr McAvoy said. 

"We encourage and support anyone who has been a victim of such abuse not to suffer in silence but to avail of the statutory and voluntary support services that are available in the community.”

Derry are set to play Armagh in this year’s Ulster football final on Sunday. Rory Gallagher was manager when Derry won the Ulster SFC last year, losing out to Galway in the All-Ireland semi-final.

Ulster GAA said that it wants this Sunday’s game to be "a celebration of all that is good about our Association and a great day for the GAA in Ulster."

It also said that "isolated actions" by a "very small minority of supporters at both semi-finals did nothing to enhance our status within the community."

Mr McAvoy appealed to all supporters to get behind their team, but to do so "in a way which is respectful to everyone, irrespective of their creed, gender, tradition, political opinion, or indeed which team they support."