Rory Gallagher threatens legal action unless GAA chief Jarlath Burns retracts Naas email

The Kildare club reversed a decision to offer the former Derry boss a coaching role. 

Rory Gallagher was on the brink of a coaching role with Naas.

Rory Gallagher has accused Jarlath Burns of trying to sabotage his coaching career after GAA president intervened in his proposed move to Naas.

And the former Derry manager has threatened legal action unless Burns retracts an email sent to the club.  

Gallagher was on the brink of taking a coaching role with Naas this week but the Kildare outfit performed a U-turn after details of the arrangement were revealed. 

It later emerged that Burns contacted the club to express concern at the mooted appointment, which would have seen Gallagher join Joe Murphy's backroom set-up.

The 46-year-old stepped down as Derry manager prior to the 2023 Ulster final following allegations of domestic abuse made against him by his estranged wife Nicola. Although there was a PSNI investigation, no charges were pressed.

In February this year, Gallagher successfully contested a temporary barring order made against him by the Ulster Council. The Disputes Resolution Authority ruled the province’s decision “was not disproportionate on the facts of the case”.

In September, Gallagher signalled he was available to return to the role but despite support from inside the Derry County Board he was not offered a return and former Kerry coach Paddy Tally was eventually appointed in November.

“Despite having engaged with due process and procedure, it seems clear that the president has now opted to take matters into his own hands,” Gallagher says in a statement relased to media.

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 I do however ask that this action is formally withdrawn and the contents of the correspondence is retracted.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

Contacted by the Irish Examiner, the GAA chose not to respond to the statement issued by Gallagher. "The GAA acknowledges receipt of queries that have been put to us from media organisations in relation to coaching positions with the Naas senior football team. We have no comment to make at this time."