Rory Gallagher has stated he "fully intends" to return to inter-county management "in the near future".

The former Fermanagh star stepped down as Derry manager in May 2023, just before the Ulster final, following domestic abuse allegations made by his estranged wife, Nicola. She claimed to have been a victim of abuse for over 24 years and accused GAA officials in Derry and Fermanagh of inaction.

The Public Prosecution Service (PPS) also received two investigation files from the PSNI in 2022 but concluded there was insufficient evidence for prosecution. No charges were ever brought, and Mr. Gallagher said in a statement via his solicitor that the “allegations against me have been investigated and dealt with by the relevant authorities”.

In September 2023, the Ulster Council "temporarily debarred" Mr. Gallagher while reviewing the GAA’s safeguarding practices regarding domestic abuse allegations. This followed his appearance in a training session with Co. Monaghan club Corduff Gaels, which he remains involved with. However, the Disputes Resolution Authority (DRA) lifted the ban in February 2024, allowing his return to management.

Phoenix Law's, Darragh Mackin, Mr. Gallagher’s solicitor, confirmed that there is “no legal impediment” to his client returning to a GAA management role, adding that his client had “successfully challenged” Ulster GAA’s decision to disbar him, which the DRA found to be incorrect.

“Following unfounded allegations made last year, a decision was taken by Ulster GAA to disbar him from the GAA," Mr. Mackin said.

“Our client successfully challenged the decision to disbar him from the GAA, before the Disputes Resolution Authority (DRA).

“The DRA found, amongst other things, that Ulster GAA were incorrect in their decision to disbar Mr. Gallagher.”

“Therefore, put simply, there is no legal barrier to our client returning to inter-county GAA management.

“Indeed, our client fully intends to return to inter-county management in the near future.”

Mr. Mackin pointed out that his client had successfully challenged a decision to disbar him from the GAA before the Disputes Resolution Authority (DRA).

The solicitor also said that following the allegations made against him, his client had “engaged with every statutory process pertaining to his private family situation and countered the allegations made against him by his ex-wife”.

Mr. Mackin said: “Crucially, he has engaged with all criminal investigations and answered all questions posed to him by the police.

“At all stages of this process, our client has firmly and steadfastly denied his guilt and refuted all the allegations levelled against him.

“Two separate investigations have led – rightly – to decisions by the PPS not to prosecute. Mr. Gallagher has not been charged with a single offence.”

Mr. Mackin said his client’s priority remains “caring for his children and trying to rebuild his family” during what he describes as “a very difficult time for all concerned”.

“He has tried to navigate this situation while prioritising his family’s interests,” he added.

Mr Gallagher’s decision to speak publicly came after consulting his children.

“Regrettably, given the continued ‘trial by social media’, our client, after consultation with his three young children, has had no choice but to make these details public.

“Put simply, our client has engaged with every process available to him to address the allegations made and to overcome what has been an incredibly challenging period for his family.

“In doing so, he has been exonerated on two separate occasions by the prosecutorial authorities, his disbarment has been overturned by the DRA, and he continues to care for his children on a full-time basis.”

Mr. Mackin said the matter was of a “deeply sensitive and personal nature” and said Mr. Gallagher had been “transparent” with anybody who has approached him for appointment.

“Any decision to appoint our client in any role within the GAA should be exercised in accordance with the rule of law and due process,” he said.

“Decision-making must be made lawfully and should never be contaminated by irrelevant social media opinion or comment.

“The GAA has long upheld principles of fairness and equality, ensuring that every individual is assessed based on their merits and contribution to the sport.”