Rory Gallagher to step back as manager of Derry footballers

Derry manager Rory Gallagher Picture: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

Rory Gallagher has announced he will 'step back' as Derry football manager.

Derry GAA confirmed that Ciaran Meenagh will be in charge for the Ulster final against Armagh on Sunday.

In a statement on Friday evening, the Fermanagh native said: "I have advised Derry GAA that I am stepping back as Derry Senior football Manager with immediate effect. 

"This decision is borne out of a desire to protect my children from the ongoing turmoil. They will always be my priority."

Earlier this week, allegations of domestic abuse were made on social media against Mr Gallagher by his former wife, Nicola Gallagher.

Mr 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, Mr Gallagher 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.” 

The PSNI had investigated the cases but found that “there was insufficient evidence to provide a reasonable prospect of conviction for any offence in relation to any individual.” 

Mr Gallagher had faced calls earlier on Friday from the SDLP to step away from his position.

Before embarking on a successful coaching and management career, former Fermanagh and Cavan footballer Gallagher claimed county and provincial senior club honours with Dublin’s St Brigids. In 2010, he won an All-Ireland senior club football title with Antrim’s St Galls.

He was assistant manager to Jim McGuinness when Donegal claimed the All-Ireland SFC title in 2012. They also won two Ulster championships and a Division 2 title.

Gallagher took over as Donegal manager in 2015 and brought them to two Ulster finals before stepping down in ‘17. He then managed his native Fermanagh for two seasons, qualifying for the provincial final in ‘18, their first appearance in 10 years.

The 44-year-old was appointed as Derry manager in September 2019, guiding them from Division 3 to Division 1. They reached last year’s All-Ireland semi-finals after their provincial success, Derry’s first Ulster triumph since 1998. In October 2021, he was given a three-year extension by the county board.

In leading Derry to last year’s Ulster final when they beat Donegal, Gallagher became the first man to guide three different counties to the provincial decider.

Tyrone man Meenagh has been part of Gallagher’s set-up from the outset of his term. He coached the team under Gallagher’s predecessor Damian McErlain in 2018.