Former All-Ireland winner Gary Coleman has declared he will boycott future Derry GAA matches if Rory Gallagher is reappointed as manager, citing concerns over allegations of domestic abuse against the Fermanagh native.
Coleman's stance comes as the Derry County Board continues its search for a replacement for Mickey Harte, who stepped down after just one season in charge. Gallagher, who previously led Derry to the 2017 Ulster Final, had emerged as a frontrunner for the position, but his return has been met with significant opposition.
Gallagher resigned from his managerial role in the days leading up to the 2022 Ulster Final after his estranged wife Nicola made public allegations of physical abuse spanning over 24 years. While no charges have ever been brought against Gallagher, his return to management has been complicated by the controversy.
In a statement last year, Gallagher, through his solicitor, said the allegations had been "investigated and dealt with by the relevant authorities." However, the controversy led to the Ulster Council temporarily barring him from holding any GAA management position. This ban was lifted in February by the Disputes Resolution Authority, paving the way for a potential return.
Coleman, who was part of Derry's historic 1993 All-Ireland winning team, expressed concern over the possibility of Gallagher's reappointment. He stated that the allegations, regardless of their outcome in court, should be considered a significant factor in the decision-making process.
"I believe that Rory Gallagher should not be appointed Derry manager because of all the allegations," Coleman asserted. "It sets a bad example â and have we no morals in Derry?"
He further criticised the potential appointment, arguing that it would send a negative message to the wider GAA community, particularly to female players and supporters.
"An All-Ireland with Rory Gallagher as manager under these circumstances is not worth an All-Ireland in my eyes," he said. "We have to have morals, and we have to have principles."
Coleman's vocal opposition reflects a wider concern within Derry GAA circles, with some fearing that the pursuit of a second All-Ireland title has overridden other important considerations. He believes that Gallagher's reappointment could lead to division within the county, undermining the unity needed for success.
"Itâs hard enough to try and win things against the opposition but when you are not united â you need everybody united, players, management, supporters, everybody needs to be united," he emphasised. "And our county board needs to do the right thing for all the young boys and girls out there in my opinion â I donât care who that annoys to tell you the truth.â
The Derry County Board has yet to make a decision regarding the managerial position, but the controversy surrounding Gallagher's potential return is sure to continue. Coleman's impassioned plea for the board to take a moral stance on the issue highlights the complex and sensitive nature of the situation.
In a statement, the Derry GAA county board acknowledged the ongoing speculation regarding the managerial position and stated that the appointment process will be conducted with transparency and fairness. They further affirmed their commitment to upholding the highest standards of safeguarding.
