Rory Gallagher ‘stepping back’ as Derry manager, with immediate effect

The announcement comes less than 48 hours before the Ulster final.

Rory Gallagher is stepping back as manager of the Derry senior men's side with immediate effect. The move comes amid a squall of accusations against Gallagher and a firm denial from the Fermanagh native, through his legal representatives. In a statement, Mr Gallagher said:

"This decision is borne out of a desire to protect my children from the ongoing turmoil."

Gallagher's Derry side are due to face Armagh in the Ulster senior football final, this Sunday in Clones at 4pm. [caption id="attachment_287444" align="aligncenter" width="1300"] Derry manager Rory Gallagher during the Ulster GAA Football Senior Championship Quarter-Final match between Fermanagh and Derry at Brewster Park in Enniskillen, Fermanagh. (Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile)[/caption]

Rory Gallagher has rejected accusations

On Thursday, the statement, received by Fermanagh's Impartial Reporter newspaper, reads as follows: "I have been made aware of a social media post by my estranged wife Nicola Gallagher in which she has made a number of very serious allegations against me.

“Our marriage broke down over four years ago. 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 February 17 2023. This outcome was recommended by social services." “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.”

Having previously managed Donegal and Fermanagh, Gallagher took over Derry in 2019 and has overseen a period of great success. Gallagher led Derry to the Ulster championship in 2022, while they earned promotion to Division One of the National Football League earlier this year.

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• Derry manager Rory Gallagher releases statement on 'very serious allegations'
• Chrissy McKaigue reveals why he is no longer the captain of Derry
• Derry star an unfair victim of ridiculous U20 rule

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