GAA president will not retract email despite legal threat

Mr Gallagher stepped down as Derry manager in 2023, following allegations of abuse made by his estranged wife, Nicola Gallagher.

He denies the allegations against him and stated following Mr Burns’ email that any allegations against him had been investigated and no charges were brought.

Speaking to Irish broadcaster RTÉ’s Late Late Show, Mr Burns outlined his reasons for writing the letter, citing the GAA’s Game Changer initiative, which was launched in November to challenge the “social and cultural norms that contribute to domestic, sexual, and gender based violence”.

He emphasised that it was ultimately Naas’ decision on whether to proceed with the appointment of Gallagher or not, and there would have been no repercussions had they chosen to ignore his advice.

“I made it clear when I became president that I wouldn’t be a hands-off president,” he added.

When asked about the threat of legal action, Mr Burns said he hoped it would not come to that but that he could not retract the contents of the email.

“I don’t bear any ill will against anybody,” he said. “I hope that he doesn’t [proceed with legal action].”

“But I can’t retract anything I have said in good faith in a private email to a club,” he continued.

“And I don’t say that with any sense of ebullience or determination or ‘bring it on’.

“This is a really tragic situation for a family.

“There is always a way back for people.”