DONEGAL MANAGER RORY GALLAGHER has expressed his “disappointment” over the details of his departure from the set-up in 2013.
Gallagher (pictured above), video analyst Maxi Curran and kitman Francie Friel parted company with Jim McGuinness’s Donegal in September 2013.
Thirty-seven-year-old Gallagher, who was No2 from 2011 till 2013, returned to take over the role of manager in October 2014 following McGuinness’s completion of a four-year term in office that saw Donegal win the 2012 All-Ireland and three Ulster titles.
McGuinness launched his autobiography ‘Until Victory Always’ in his native Glenties on Thursday and the book reveals he has not spoken the Gallagher since the parting of the ways.
In the book, McGuinness says he was “stunned” when Gallagher gave an interview to The Irish News in 2013, stating he believed of Mayo and Monaghan being in collusion to try and beat Donegal.
“He [Gallagher] tried to tell me aftewards that the conversation had been off the record,” McGuinness wrote. “I found that hard to believe so I spoke to the journalist in question and he refuted the claim. I couldn’t figure what Rory’s thinking was.”
Gallagher tonight released the following statement:
Tags:“I have received many requests for my reaction to the description given by Jim McGuinness in his book with regard to my departure from the Donegal Senior Management Team in September 2013.
“At this point, I am not interested in commenting on the inaccuracies in the book while involved with the Donegal Senior Team. I am comfortable in the knowledge that Donegal County Board officers are aware of the true circumstances of my departure.
“I will say I am disappointed Jim has chosen to comment on the breakup of the management team at this point. The players, management and backroom team had a very clear understanding that what happened within the group remained within the group.
“Following my departure I did not comment on the matter as this would have been unfair on the players and the new management team whose focus was on the year ahead. I am really looking forward to the new season working with a brilliant squad of players who have given Donegal so much over the last five years.
“The management, players and the County Board will be doing everything in our power to achieve success again for Donegal in 2016.
“Rory Gallagher. Dated: 01/11/2015″
