Rory Gallagher 'stepping back' as Derry manager two days out from Ulster final

Former Donegal manager Rory Gallagher boss has resigned from his position as manager of Derry’s senior footballers.

Gallagher’s Derry are due to play Armagh in the Ulster SFC final but has made the decision to step aside on a week when a family fall-out made the airwaves.

“I have advised Derry GAA that I am stepping back as Derry Senior football manager with immediate effect” Gallagher said. “This decision is borne out of a desire to protect my children from the ongoing turmoil. They will always be my priority.”

Gallagher was part of Donegal's backroom team from 2011 to 2013, winning the All-Ireland championship in 2012. He trained Killybegs and took a year in charge of Kilcar in 2014 before taking over as Donegal senior team manager for three years to 2017.

Gallagher's estranged wife Nicola on Tuesday night posted a detailed statement on Facebook, which cannot be fully published for legal reasons, on her experiences with Rory Gallagher. The couple have three children and lived in Killybegs for a time.

“Silence isn’t the answer, I tried that, I thought I was protecting my children, the only person I was protecting was him,” she said. “Please anyone who’s been through this, speak out. Silence nearly killed me.”

On Thursday, Gallagher’s response read: “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,” read a statement from Rory Gallagher, which was released through his solicitors today.

“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 17th February 2023. This outcome was recommended by social services.

“Allegations against me have been investigated and dealt with by the relevant authorities. 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.”