GAA president will not retract email despite Gallagher legal threat

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

Mr Gallagher had accused Mr Burns of trying to sabotage his career after he intervened earlier this month and threatened legal action if the remarks were not retracted.

The former Derry football manager was offered a coaching role with Naas, but the offer was then withdrawn after details of the appointment were made public.

It later emerged Mr Burns had contacted the club to express his concern at the proposed appointment.

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."

Mr Burns said the GAA "is not interested in cancel culture".

"We have told Rory that as well," he said. "Rory is aware of the way back for him."

Earlier this month, Mr Gallagher called on the GAA president to withdraw his remarks.

"I have engaged with every procedure available to me. The PPS have issued two separate decisions finding that I have no case to answer," he said in a statement at the time.

"I have never asked for sympathy or support.

"I do, however, ask that this action is formally withdrawn and the contents of the correspondence is retracted," he said.

"The president should lead by example and accept when he has overstepped the mark.

"Absent such a retraction, I will have no other alternative but to take legal action to cure the irreparable damage done to me and my family in my ability to continue to work as a manager in the years ahead."

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