Rory Gallagher says that he is "stepping back" as the manager to the Derry senior footballers. The announcement comes after his estranged wife Nicola Gallagher earlier this week made serious allegations of domestic abuse which she had suffered at his hands.
Gallagher was due to manage Derry in Sunday's Ulster football final against Armagh.
"I have advised Derry GAA that I am stepping back as Derry Senior football Manager with immediate effect," Gallagher said in a statement.
"This decision is borne out of a desire to protect my children from the ongoing turmoil. They will always be my priority."
In a further statement, Derry GAA said, "Ciaran Meenagh will assume the role of Derry senior football manager."
Rory Gallagher 'steps back'
Gallagher was appointed as manager of the Derry footballers in 2019. He led the county to last year's Ulster title, and an All-Ireland semi-final defeat to Galway.
In a statement issued through his solicitors on Thursday, Gallagher said that "Allegations against me have been investigated and dealt with by the relevant authorities."
Earlier, SDLP MLA Cara Hunter called for Gallagher to step aside as Derry manager.
"Given the seriousness of the issues exposed this week I do not believe it is appropriate for Rory Gallagher to lead the Derry team ahead of the Ulster Final. He should do the right thing and stand aside," she said.
"Domestic violence is an insidious issue that infects communities across Ireland and blights the daily lives of women and girls. It leaves lives shattered and people fearing for their safety in their own homes.
"There are women and girls across our community and across Ireland who will not be able to support his leadership of the team. They need to be respected and their voice needs to be heard, especially by Derry GAA. This is a moment for strong leadership and to stand with people from across our communities who have been victims of the most horrific abuse.
"Derry GAA needs to send a strong message of support to women and girls in our community right now. This is a test for the county board and for those in positions of leadership. There is only one acceptable outcome."
