A NEW committee has been created to ‘guide’ the GAA in safeguarding issues following a review prompted by domestic abuse allegations made against former Fermanagh and Derry football manager, Rory Gallagher.
The Adult Safeguarding Culture Review task force will help the GAA implement recommendations arising from the McGibbon Safeguarding Review.
The McGibbon review, which contains recommendations regarding adult safeguarding and culture in the GAA, was initiated after the domestic abuse allegations against Mr Gallagher.
It was launched in 2023 when Mr Gallagher’s estranged wife, Nicola, made claims on social media that she had been subject to physical abuse for years.
The review was ordered to examine Ulster GAA’s response to adult safeguarding practices when concerns are raised regarding alleged domestic abuse and violence.
Donegal native Julie Galbraith, who is a partner in a law firm, has been appointed by GAA President Jarlath Burns to chair the new committee, which has already held its first meeting.
“While this is one of our key priorities it is relatively unchartered waters for the GAA, and Irish sport in many ways,” Mr Burns said.
Ms Galbraith praised her fellow committee members adding that she was keen to keen to “ensure that our culture continues to improve and evolve to reflect our values.”
Mr Gallagher’s estranged wife claimed she was the victim of physical abuse for more than 24 years.
Last year the Public Prosecution Service said it received two investigation files from the PSNI in January and June 2022 and it was determined there was not enough evidence to provide a reasonable prospect of conviction in relation to any individual.
In a statement issued last year through his solicitor, Mr Gallagher, pictured left, said the “allegations against me have been investigated and dealt with by the relevant authorities”.
Last September, he was suspended from GAA activities when it emerged he had been training Monaghan club, Corduff.
This decision followed the Ulster Council’s commissioning of a safeguarding panel.
In February, his suspension was lifted.
In a statement, issued last Friday, the GAA also said it will begin work on revamping its ‘Respect’ initiative, which seeks to implement “a values-based programme that guides all members and units on the behaviours expected of those who hold membership of the Association”.
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