Rory Gallagher resigns as Derry manager

Rory Gallagher has resigned as Derry senior football manager.

Gallagher missed Derry's Ulster final win over Armagh, having 'stepped back' due to serious allegations from his former wife Nicola. His assistant Ciaran Meenagh replaced him on the line on Sunday, and will now assume the role for the rest of the year, as a statement from Derry GAA confirmed this evening. "Former assistant manager Ciaran Meenagh will assume the role for the rest of the 2023 season," read their statement. "Derry GAA said it will be making no further comment at this time." [caption id="attachment_287483" align="alignnone" width="1000"] 29 April 2023; Derry manager Rory Gallagher before the Ulster GAA Football Senior Championship Semi Final match between Derry and Monaghan at O’Neills Healy Park in Omagh, Tyrone. Photo by Ben McShane/Sportsfile[/caption] Gallagher had stepped back from his role on Friday, releasing the following statement before the Ulster final. “I have advised Derry GAA that I am stepping back as Derry senior football manager with immediate effect," he said.

“This decision is born out of a desire to protect my children from the ongoing turmoil.

“They will always be my ­priority.”

Gallagher had issued a statement earlier in the week through his solicitor, where he said that he had been "made aware of a social media post by my estranged wife in which she has made a number of very serious allegations against me". "Allegations against me have been investigated and dealt with by the relevant authorities." Nicola Gallagher had claimed on Facebook last week that she was the victim of domestic violence during their relationship.