Rory Gallagher - A dismissed case that was dealt with and brought to attention? Mod Note in OP

evolvingtipperary101

Insufficient evidence to prosecute and he was awarded custody of the children were the result of court proceedings in two jurisdictions.

As reported in The Belfast Telegraph:

Police investigated allegations of domestic abuse against Derry GAA manager Rory Gallagher. Two files were passed to the Public Prosecution Service last year, but it was deemed there was insufficient evidence to proceed.

On Thursday Gallagher issued a statement in response to what he described as "very serious" allegations made by his estranged wife.

He is due to take charge of Derry in Sunday's Ulster Final against Armagh.

In a message on social media earlier this week, Nicola Gallagher detailed a number of alleged incidents of domestic violence.

She claimed she has spent years staying silent about her difficult relationship with her husband. She said she had tried to block it out and turned to alcohol as a result.

The couple, who have three children, are separated.

In a statement issued through a solicitor, Mr Gallagher acknowledged his estranged wife’s social media posts and the fact it made “very serious allegations against me”.

He said: “Our marriage broke down over four years ago. Those closest to our family are well aware of the reasons for the breakdown of our marriage and the continued issues we have faced since that time.”

Mr Gallagher insisted the allegations “have been investigated and dealt with by the relevant authorities”.

“My focus over the past four years has been to protect our children from the ongoing turmoil in our family.

“I have left this matter in the hands of my legal team and ask that the privacy of our family is respected at this time. I will not be making any further public comment on this matter.”

A spokesperson for the PSNI said: “Police have investigated a number of reported incidents and files have been submitted to the Public Prosecution Service.”

It is understood the PPS received two investigation files from the PSNI in January 2022 and June 2022.

After all the available evidence in these files was considered in line with the PPS Code for Prosecutors, it was determined there was insufficient evidence to provide a reasonable prospect of conviction for any offence in relation to any individual.

Decisions not to prosecute any individual were issued in January 2022 and September 2022.

On Thursday afternoon the Ulster GAA council responded to the allegations.

Provincial secretary and chief executive Brian McAvoy said: “While we cannot comment or make judgment on any specific allegation or allegations, Ulster GAA does not condone any form of domestic violence.

"We are proud to have joined with White Ribbon NI in pledging to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women. We encourage and support anyone who has been a victim of such abuse not to suffer in silence but to avail of the statutory and voluntary support services that are available in the community.”

Sunday's final, the first between Derry and Armagh since 2000, is on course to be a 28,720 sell-out in Clones with no tickets going on general sale.

Gallagher is one of the most recognisable names in Ulster GAA. He was part of the management team that led Donegal to All-Ireland in 2012.

During his playing career he wore the jerseys of both Fermanagh and Cavan.

Derry is the third team he has helped to an Ulster final, having previously worked with Donegal and Fermanagh.

Under his stewardship, Derry won the Ulster championship final last year and progressed to the All-Ireland semi-finals, where they lost to Galway.

Mod Note

Terms like Scumbag etc are classified as Abuse in the GAA Forum.

Happyilylost

Surprising how many people in GAA circles think this is new information. I think it was even brought up in the interview process for the Fermanagh job.

Rosita

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120584519#Comment_120584519

Not sure it would be reasonable to expect the average person in GAA circles to know what was discussed during the process of appointing the Fermanagh manager.

StrawbsM

I think the PSNI need to open up the case again and perhaps those who could corroborate Nicola’s allegations should now come forward. I spoke to a few people about this today who have said that they heard about this over 10 years ago.

She acknowledges she has a drink problem and I’d be inclined to believe the drink was due to the violence rather than the violence due to the drink.

cal naughton

The fact as stated that Rory has custody of the children should tell us everything we need to know about this case.

Child services in NI don't mess about and the PSNI would show no sympathy to a gaa player.

Happyilylost

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120584536#Comment_120584536

Sorry. That was complicated for you. This is in the public domain quite a while.

StrawbsM

To clarify my above comment.

I got the impression from Rory’s statement that he is saying his wife has issues. I don’t think she would have those issues if she had been in a better relationship.

Rosita

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120584576#Comment_120584576

Actually you're making things complicated for yourself. The process for appointing the manager of Fermanagh is not the "public domain". That reference was irrelevant (other than letting us see how 'in the know' you are).

Happyilylost

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120584671#Comment_120584671

Ok.

BaywatchHQ

I am hoping John from the Jmac podcast comments about it so I can call him out on his hypocrisy by always having Kevin McGourty on his podcast.

https://www.irishnews.com/news/northernirelandnews/2017/12/13/news/prosecutors-fail-in-bid-to-stop-press-identifying-former-gaa-star-kevin-mcgourty-1209985/

cms88

While there may be more to this and it might come out we'll have to wait and see. However it's interesting how many people,mostly female, were very fact to just and take a single social media as fact. If it turns out said post isn't true will they be as quick to comment....

bucketybuck

Hard to know what to make of it. I searched for and read the social media post and if it is true then he is a scumbag. But I also have first hand experience of a woman who was a nasty piece of work and who would have written a post exactly like it, none of which would have been true at all.

Like others I would consider it very strange that he has custody of the children, that is not a small thing.

Investigated twice and dismissed twice, was she making allegations that were simply unfounded? Again, I experienced that within my own family, it happens.

I know the majority will just believe the accuser because that is society today, but I am uneasy if this is used as the basis of a witchhunt against Gallagher.

Now if he gets cancelled because of constantly spitting on his hands that would be perfectly understandable, the man has **** problems there.

Former Former Former

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120584575#Comment_120584575

the PSNI would show no sympathy to a gaa player.

The PSNI felt the need to pass two files to the DPP. Hardly a ringing endorsement of his conduct

There's nothing in that article about his children.

I mean, Gallagher himself hasn't denied a word of it.

cal naughton

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120584868#Comment_120584868

He was granted full custody in January this year. It's in his full statement which as it goes against the narrative is conveniently left out of most reports.

https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41136709.html

monkeybutter

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120584868#Comment_120584868

from the post there would be doctors reports etc for the PSNI/DPP to go off

so where are they?

you have to be in a bad way for the kids to be taken off you, like epically bad

StrawbsM

I know the post has over a thousand comments now but there was one that I remember said that they were there when the alleged assault in Clones happened all those years ago. If true, they should be giving a statement to the police regardless of how long ago it happened.

cms88

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120584928#Comment_120584928

Had she been given full custody you can be sure it would be highlighted.

Gusser09

The fact a file was sent to the DPP is telling. The threshold for prosecution is extremely high and rightly so. But I'd imagine the Police thought they had sufficient evidence to charge.

Gusser09

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120584826#Comment_120584826

Jaysus. I'm more shocked the guy is only 35 there. Looks at 60.

Gusser09

In a lengthy post on social media earlier this week, Mrs Gallagher also referred to a number of locations including Clones in County Monaghan and Enniscrone in County Sligo.

Mrs Gallagher said she was an 18-year-old schoolgirl when she was beaten after being "dragged into a carpark in Clones" by "a person I trusted and thought was my best friend".

She added: "I forgave that man and I married him."

She also claimed the alleged beatings continued through their marriage and that "my pregnancies never changed the violence".

Mrs Gallagher went on to describe how she "developed a problem with alcohol because, at the time, I didn't know how else to cope".

Towards the end of her post, Nicola Gallagher said: "Blocking it out was easier than admitting what was happening."

She concluded her social media post by saying: "Silence nearly killed me".

He really needs to deny that allegation of assault in Clones. Whether he likes it or not he has too.

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-65557406

evolvingtipperary101

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120584589#Comment_120584589

The case is from last year. Are you suggesting that the case her legal team brought wouldn't have brought everything up to date? I'd find that hard to believe.

evolvingtipperary101

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120585042#Comment_120585042

It's been to court? You think him going to court is him not denying it?

Gusser09

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120585062#Comment_120585062

Look all I'll say is jump across to Reddit and have a look. It seems to have been common knowledge in the border regions. Anyway who knows. But I do think his positions is untenable at the moment. Yes I think he specifically needs to address the detailed allegations and deny them for the court of public opinion. As you know in his position that is extremely important.

tayto lover

I've read the entire thing and i'm waiting on the man from Cork who intervened in a restaurant in Turkey when Rory was allegedly abusing Nicola, He's supposed to have threatened violence on Rory if he didn't stop abusing her. He could throw a lot of light on the entire thing.

evolvingtipperary101

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120585084#Comment_120585084

I'm going to overlook a judge's decision to give a man custody of his kids and take reddit comments as the truth/evidence?

Going to court is already a public and detailed denial of allegations, no? You plead guilty or not guilty?

Mr Gallagher insisted the allegations “have been investigated and dealt with by the relevant authorities”. Is that not addressing your concern of a denial?

StrawbsM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120585052#Comment_120585052

The court case was a custody case that concluded this year. There’s no mention of violence against the children. She’s been drinking heavily which she has admitted and I’d say a judge ruled that at this time she isn’t in a fit state to look after them. I understand that reasoning. Totally guessing here his statement says the DV allegations were investigated. If this only came out since they’ve been estranged and she’s been at her lowest due to alcohol, they may not have taken her word as seriously.

Witnesses should give statements to the psni now and have it investigated fully. Her post was a tough read.

evolvingtipperary101

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120585150#Comment_120585150

I'm sorry but isn't this too serious for "totally guessing"?

Do you think he could get away with saying all allegations were investigated if they weren't? Sure, there's so many people involved he'd be immediately found out. It would be the first thing brought up in a new case if it weren't.

monkeybutter

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120585150#Comment_120585150

do you think domestic abuse wouldn't factor into the custody case

the wintenesses appear to be relatives and friends, so why wouldn't they have been questioned in the first place by the psni

doesn't make sense

Former Former Former

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120585117#Comment_120585117

It didn't go to court though. He never pleaded to anything.

The way I look at it, if someone accused me of savagely beating my wife over many years, the absolute first thing I would say is "I have never beaten my wife", because, well I have never beaten my wife.

Rory Gallagher, on the other hand, declined to deny anything, he just decided to say that "the issue has been dealt with". That is absolutely not a denial.

Whatever he did or didn't do, the statement absolutely did nothing to dispell any of the accusations. The exact opposite in fact.

bucketybuck

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120585280#Comment_120585280

You can't be serious?

One of the most famous loaded questions in history is "When did you stop beating your wife", notorious because there is no good answer to the question.

It just goes to show how useless internet justice is when people judge the accused on stupid things like this.

evolvingtipperary101

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120585280#Comment_120585280

The first line of The Belfast Telegraph:

Police investigated allegations of domestic abuse against Derry GAA manager Rory Gallagher. Two files were passed to the Public Prosecution Service last year, but it was deemed there was insufficient evidence to proceed.

Later:

In a statement issued through a solicitor, Mr Gallagher acknowledged his estranged wife’s social media posts and the fact it made “very serious allegations against me”.

He said: “Our marriage broke down over four years ago. Those closest to our family are well aware of the reasons for the breakdown of our marriage and the continued issues we have faced since that time.”

Mr Gallagher insisted the allegations “have been investigated and dealt with by the relevant authorities”.

But your interpretation of his statement means something else? He didn't deny it? So the ACCUSATIONS... still hold sway? But there's not enough evidence to go to court but you...ha?

Being able to state that a court dismissed a case is surely stronger than offering a subjective denial of accusations?

bucketybuck

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120585021#Comment_120585021

Isn't that what you said about Gerry Hutch?

You'd think after how big a fool you made of yourself in that thread that you would think twice about commenting on such matters.

Former Former Former

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120585332#Comment_120585332

The question isn't "when did you stop beating your wife", the question is "did you beat your wife?"

It's not a trick question. It shouldn't need a trick answer.

howiya

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120585342#Comment_120585342

What court dismissing the case are you referring to?

You've quoted the line about the files being passed to the DPP who decided there was insufficient evidence to proceed. This means that were was no court case.

evolvingtipperary101

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120585371#Comment_120585371

I'm sorry. I meant the office of the DPP.

But also

In a statement issued on his behalf by his solicitors, Logan and Corry Solicitors, the Derry manager said their marriage had broken down more than four years ago.

He continued: “Those closest to our family are well aware of the reasons for the breakdown of our marriage and the continued issues we have faced since that time. Following long running court proceedings in Family Courts in both jurisdictions, I was granted a full Residence Order in respect of our three young children on 17th February 2023. This outcome was recommended by social services.” 

bucketybuck

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120585364#Comment_120585364

It is a trick question. I know somebody who was falsely accused of domestic violence, if he had to actively deny every lie made about him he would have time for nothing else.

Your implication that because Gallagher didn't specifically address any of the accusations made means he is guilty, well that is an abhorrent attitude. He has no obligation to respond to or to play any of those games if he doesn't want to.

Again, I don't know what the real truth is, and I am certainly no pal of Rory Gallagher. I knew him many years ago and found him a tosser quite frankly. But it is really dangerous for internet warriors to start these witch hunts when the reality is that they don't have a **** clue what the real story is.

Former Former Former

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120585471#Comment_120585471

because Gallagher didn't specifically address any of the accusations made means he is guilty

I'm not implying he's guilty at all, I have no clue.

However, if his statement today was supposed to placate public opinion, I can assure you it did the exact opposite. It was a bizarre tactic.

Fr Tod Umptious

Trial by social media is my second favorite type of justice after kangaroo courts.

evolvingtipperary101

The Irish Examiner reports:

Police in Northern Ireland investigated allegations of domestic abuse against Derry GAA manager Rory Gallagher last year.

A spokesperson for Northern Ireland's Public Prosecution Service (PPS) told the Irish Examiner it received two investigation files from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) in January and June 2022.

“All the available evidence in these two files was considered in line with the PPS Code for Prosecutors.

"It was determined that there was insufficient evidence to provide a reasonable prospect of conviction for any offence in relation to any individual," the spokesperson said.

“Decisions not to prosecute any individual issued in January 2022 and September 2022.”

The spokesperson also said that decisions by the PPS are taken strictly in accordance with its two-stage Test for Prosecution.

Gusser09

So the wife is 100% lying. Ok then.

TAFKAlawhec

I live just a few miles from Fermanagh, and I meet & speak to people from the county regularly.

Let's just say that Rory Gallagher does not have a great reputation not only in his home county (especially among women), but also in south Co. Donegal as regards to elements of his non-GAA activities. Legally I couldn't tell any more than what's already been put in the media domain at present, other than to say that his sudden resignation from the Fermanagh senior football manager back in 2019 was itself very "unusual".

In a court of law, everyone is assumed innocent until presumed guilty - but the court of public opinion is different, like it or not. And for all the talk of his estranged wife's public comments being a "Facebook post", we are not dealing with some space cadet regurgitating conspiracy theory or "freeman" nonsense, this is straight from the mother of his children. The only thing "Facebook" about it is her choice of using it as a medium to get her message across. And they are quite serious allegations. Why Nicola Gallagher has gone down this route, I don't know but there's an awful lot of detail to what she claims.

Outside of the very personal situation between the two of them, it's clear that if Rory Gallagher appears in public in Clones on Sunday, then the Ulster SFC final is almost certainly going to be a sideshow even if Derry hammer Armagh - this is unlikely to blow over quickly especially if a lot of Irish women on social media & elsewhere get very vested in it. You only have to look at the former Ulster & Irish rugby player Paddy Jackson whom is essentially unemployable back in Belfast.

evolvingtipperary101

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120585826#Comment_120585826

But you're just an anonymous poster without a shred of evidence.

Can we stick to family court decisions and DPP decisions?

All you're doing is writing gossip you've claimed you've heard.

downthemiddle

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120585805#Comment_120585805

Clearly some people do not understand what insufficient evidence means.

Gusser09

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120585826#Comment_120585826

Ive heard the stories and whispers before. Harrowing stuff if true. Its telling that a lot of people in that part of the country dont doubt it. If it were me being accused and it wasnt true id be referring to each allegation and specifically denying each one.

Gallaghers ploy is to discredit her. He was well able to go onto detail about her drinking and him being given custody but not give any detail aroind the alleged beating in Enniskillen.

I'd imagine Derry GAA are having a late meeting tonight.

Gusser09

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120585856#Comment_120585856

It doesnt mean there wasnt any evidence.

downthemiddle

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120585864#Comment_120585864

His non denial in his statement is certainly interesting.

Gusser09

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120585855#Comment_120585855

We can stick to the statement on social media platforms published in to the public domain too thank you very much.

Failure to be prosecuted due to insufficent evidence doesnt mean he should retain his high profile high paying position.

Allegations have been made which people in the border areas will tell you arent a surprise. He 100 percent has to address them properly before continuing as a public figure and role model in our great games.

Im sorry but a wishy washy statement doesnt give him a free pass. Either he did or didnt beat the woman. It really is that simple. He didnt deny it.

Gusser09

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120585871#Comment_120585871

110%. The first thing i would do is deny the specific allegations of violence. Its a bit like the former radio dj / tv presenter who really didnt deny anything with wishy washy statements. How hard can it be to totally refute and deny false allegations if they are that.

evolvingtipperary101

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120585875#Comment_120585875

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120585878#Comment_120585878

The Irish Examiner reports:

Police in Northern Ireland investigated allegations of domestic abuse against Derry GAA manager Rory Gallagher last year.

A spokesperson for Northern Ireland's Public Prosecution Service (PPS) told the Irish Examiner it received two investigation files from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) in January and June 2022.

“All the available evidence in these two files was considered in line with the PPS Code for Prosecutors.

"It was determined that there was insufficient evidence to provide a reasonable prospect of conviction for any offence in relation to any individual," the spokesperson said.

“Decisions not to prosecute any individual issued in January 2022 and September 2022.”

The spokesperson also said that decisions by the PPS are taken strictly in accordance with its two-stage Test for Prosecution.

Gusser09

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120585891#Comment_120585891

Insufficient evidence. I wonder what evidence they had. The bar for prosecution is very high and rightly so. Thankfully we as people and human beings decide a person like that shouldnt be in a position like he is. He hasnt denied any allegation. Nothing. Make up your own mind.

pgj2015

Mrs Gallagher said she was an 18-year-old schoolgirl when she was beaten after being "dragged into a carpark in Clones" by "a person I trusted and thought was my best friend".

She added: "I forgave that man and I married him."

That was clever. 🙄 no one to blame but herself so in fairness.