GAA divide exposed in Rory Gallagher and Jarlath Burns row

Caoimhín Reilly, a GAA journalist from County Louth, told BBC News NI that Burns’ intervention ran contrary to the GAA’s democratic principles.

“If Jarlath Burns turns up at the Naas AGM, he’s not entitled to vote, he’s not entitled to speak and he’s not entitled to run for a position. He’s not a member of the club. That’s how the GAA works.

“He’s essentially interfering with the autonomy of elected members of a GAA club and, in my opinion, that’s not democratic.

“He has no right to do it. He may have opinions but, ultimately, morals and ethics are not in the GAA rulebook.”

Mr Reilly added that the move “sets a very dangerous precedent” as it could mean more interventions in other club appointments based on the president’s view “that a person may be unsuitable for any number of reasons”.

“It’s opening a can of worms.”

That perceived inconsistency has been highlighted by others, who point out Mr Gallagher was coaching at Monaghan club side Corduff both before and after his temporary ban from the GAA.

It is not known whether Jarlath Burns, who was appointed the same month the ban was lifted, has had any contact with Corduff about Rory Gallagher.

On Thursday, the GAA said it acknowledged the receipt of queries from media organisations in “relation to coaching positions with the Naas senior football team”, but that it had no comment to make at this time.

It has yet to respond to BBC News NI’s requests for comment on Mr Gallagher’s role at Corduff.