GAA president Jarlath Burns: I can't retract Rory Gallagher comments

GAA president Jarlath Burns will not be retracting the comments he made about Rory Gallagher in an email to Naas GAA club last Sunday week.. Pic: ©INPHO/Bryan Keane

GAA president Jarlath Burns will not be retracting the comments he made about Rory Gallagher in an email to Naas GAA club last Sunday week.

Burns aired his concerns to the Kildare club about the former Derry manager coming on board as their senior football coach.

His misgivings concerned allegations of domestic abuse against Gallagher by his estranged wife Nicola in 2023.

Gallagher had threatened legal action if Burns did not withdraw his remarks. However, speaking on “The Late, Late Show” on Friday night, Burns said he had no intention of doing so.

“I don’t bear any ill-will against anybody. I hope he doesn’t (take legal proceedings) but I can’t retract anything I said in a private email to a club, and I don’t say that with any sense of ebullience or determination or ‘bring it on’.

“This is a really tragic situation for a family. It shouldn’t be getting discussed on ‘The Late, Late Show’. It just sad that it is on such a wonderful (tribute) evening for the Gaelic Athletic Association.

“But I hope it doesn’t go to that and I would wish everyone well. And there is always a way back for people. The GAA is not interested in cancel culture and we have told Rory that as well.

“Rory is aware of the way back for him and I wish Rory and all his family well and I hope that we can get a resolution on this.”