Derry GAA: Oak Leaf County say stance ruling out Gallagher return unchanged

Gallagher managed Derry to a first Ulster title in 24 years in 2022 but stood down in the build-up to the county’s provincial final appearance 12 months later after allegations of abuse were made by his estranged wife Nicola Gallagher, which he denied.

He was then “temporarily debarred” by the GAA in September 2023 when an independent panel was asked to investigate claims.

The former Donegal and Fermanagh manager successfully challenged that disbarment in February, and a statement from his solicitors on 20 September said there was no “legal impediment” to prevent him returning to a senior role in the game.

“Our client fully intends to return to inter county management in the near future,” the statement continued.

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

Later in the same day, Derry GAA told BBC Sport NI that Gallagher was not being considered for the Oak Leaf vacancy.

Derry remains the only county which hasn’t got a football management team in place for the 2025 campaign which will begin in late January when the Allianz League gets under way.