Rory Gallagher has moved to quell claims that he stepped down as Donegal manager due to social media comments.
Since Donegal’s 4-17 to 0-14 qualifier defeat by Galway in Sligo last weekend, social media sites have been awash with debate about Donegal’s performance and Gallagher’s future.
Last evening, the Fermanagh manager – who still had two years to run on his term as manager – quit his position.
Donegal goalkeeper Mark Anthony McGinley took to Twitter to vent his anger at ‘keyboard warriors and people who think football was invented in 2011’ for contributing to Gallagher’s decision to walk away.
Former Donegal manager Brian McEniff, 1992 All-Ireland-winning captain Anthony Molloy and 2012 All-Ireland winner Rory Kavanagh have all spoken out again the level of criticism that had been directed at Gallagher, particular on social media.
However, in a statement tonight, Gallagher said: “I do not have Facebook or Twitter accounts.
“I have no interest in Social Media whatsoever. It has no impact on my life or my decision to step away from the senior team.
“Only the players and their families, the management and County Board officers can appreciate the effort that the 2017 squad made this season.
“We understand fully the road we are on. It is the beginning of a new team. It will continue to need huge levels of commitment over the next number of years.”
Here is Rory Gallagher’s statement in full:
Tags:I would like to thank those that have contributed to my involvement with Donegal over the last 7 years.
To my wife Nicola and family, I could never have given the time and effort required without the unconditional support from you all.
I’d like to thank all the County Board Officers I have both met and worked closely with particularly County Chairmen, PJ McGowan & Sean Dunnion, County Secretaries, Aodh Martin O’ Fearraigh and Aideen Gillen, County Treasurers, Grace Boyle and Cieran Kelly. I appreciate the contribution everybody makes as volunteers.
A massive thanks to all the management and backroom who have supported myself and the players. Your contributions have been invaluable.
The County’s supporters have been outstanding throughout the 7 years particularly when we needed you most, days like Carrick on Shannon in 2013, Croke Park v Cork in 2016 and Navan in 2017 stand out. Having come off defeats the team really appreciated it.
I do not have Facebook or Twitter accounts. I have no interest in Social Media whatsoever. It has no impact on my life or my decision to step away from the senior team. Only the players and their families, the management and County Board officers can appreciate the effort that the 2017 squad made this season. We understand fully the road we are on. It is the beginning of a new team. It will continue to need huge levels of commitment over the next number of years.
To the players who I have coached and managed thanks for your hunger and desire to be better for Donegal. You should be very proud of yourselves. It made the training pitch a special place to be. We have had tough days and great days. Along the way we have had lots of fun.
Your total support and loyalty throughout the 7 years means a lot.I’d like to wish all those involved with Donegal GAA the very best in the future.
Rory Gallagher
