The public will be “rightly appalled” if former Derry senior football manager Rory Gallagher is reappointed to the position, a feminist activist has said.
Gallagher left the role last year after his estranged wife, Nicola, made allegations against him, claiming she had suffered abuse over a 24-year period.
Gallagher said the claims had been investigated and dealt with by the relevant authorities.
He was succeeded by his assistant, Ciaran Meenagh, while an independent safeguarding panel investigated the allegations.
This newspaper reported last month that the former manager could be among the frontrunners for the role left vacant after the departure of Mickey Harte.
Under Harte, Derry exited the championship in the quarter finals, having won just two games against Westmeath and Mayo.
The county attempted to reappoint Gallagher late last year, but the GAA’s announcement that he was “temporarily debarred” from the association scuppered the plans.
That ban was lifted earlier this year by the association’s Disputes Resolution Authority, with the former manager since coaching Monaghan side Corduff.
It is understood Gallagher has again been nominated by a number of clubs to be reinstated to the role. Current Glen manager Malachy O’Rourke is also among the nominations.
It is believed Gallagher also has the backing of some county officials and a sizeable group of players on the squad.
Elaine Crory
Elaine Crory, from the Belfast’s Women’s Resource and Development Agency, said Derry GAA needed to seriously consider its actions.
“The senior staff and delegates within the Derry team need to really seriously think about what message they are sending” she added.
“There is no level of talent [that] justifies this. There was a good reason why he left that post, and nothing has changed since then.
“If they think this won’t be noticed, they are wrong. The public will be rightly appalled by this.”
Former X-Factor contestant and Derry club player Eoghan Quigg has said he would not watch a match next year if Gallagher returned.
Under the county’s regulations, at least 50% of delegates have to back his appointment.
It comes after the first meeting of the GAA’s Adult Safeguarding and Culture Review Task Force took place last week.
The body was set up to implement recommendations from a review into how the association responded when concerns were raised in relation to domestic abuse and violence.
It was launched after Gallagher’s wife made the allegations against him last year.
GAA president Jarlath Burns said the taskforce, under the stewardship of Co Donegal woman Julie Galbraith, was in uncharted waters.
He added: “Julie brings a wealth of professional expertise and volunteering experience to this role, and I’m delighted she took up the invitation. While this is one of our key priorities, it is relatively uncharted waters for the GAA and Irish sport.”
Derry GAA was contacted for comment.