GAA president won’t withdraw emails despite legal threat from Gallagher

Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) chairman Jarlath Burns has said he has no intention of withdrawing the contents of an email sent to Naas GAA over the potential appointment of Rory Gallagher to the coaching role.

mr gallagher He accused Mr Burns of trying to ruin his career Earlier this month he intervened and threatened legal action if the comments were not modified.

The former Derry football manager was offered a coaching role with Naas but did not take it up. Then it was withdrawn after the details of the appointment became public,

It later emerged that Mr Burns had contacted the club to express his concerns over the proposed appointment.

mr gallagher Steps down as dairy manager in 2023Following abuse allegations made by his estranged wife Nicola Gallagher.

He denied the allegations against him and said after Mr Burns’ email that any allegations against him had been investigated and no charges had been laid.

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

He stressed that whether or not to proceed with Gallagher’s appointment was ultimately Naas’s decision, and there would have been no consequences if he had chosen to ignore his advice.

He said, “When I became President, I made it clear that I will not be a President who works with his hands.”

Asked about the threat of legal action, Mr Burns said he hoped it would not come to that, but that he could not withhold the contents of the emails.

“I hold no ill will toward anyone,” he said. “I hope he (will not pursue legal action).”

He added, “But I cannot take back anything I said in good faith in a private email to a club.”

“And I don’t say this in any sense of enthusiasm or determination or ‘get it on’.

“This is a really tragic situation for a family.

“There’s always a way back for people.”

Mr Burns said the GAA had “no interest in cancel culture”.

“We’ve told Rory that too,” he said. “Rory knows his way back.”

earlier this month, Mr Gallagher urges GAA president to withdraw his comments,

“I have engaged in every process available to me. The PPS has issued two separate decisions and found that I have no case to answer,” he said in a statement at the time.

“I never asked for sympathy or support.

“However, I request that this action be formally withdrawn and the contents of the correspondence be withdrawn,” he said.

“The President must lead by example and admit when he has overstepped his bounds.

“In the absence of such a refund, I will have no other option but to take legal action to recover the irreparable harm that has been caused to me and my family in my ability to continue working as a manager for years to come. “

BBC News NI has contacted Mr Gallagher and Mr Burns for comment.