Derry football manager Rory Gallagher has confirmed that he is stepping back as manager ahead of the Ulster Senior final this weekend.
In a statement, he said the decision “is borne out of a desire to protect my children from the ongoing turmoil. They will always be my priority.”
Gallagher’s move comes days after serious allegations were made on social media by his former wife.
Nicola Gallagher posted a message on social media earlier this week in which she detailed a number of alleged incidents of domestic violence.
The couple, who have three children, are separated.
In a statement issued through a solicitor yesterday, Mr Gallagher acknowledged his estranged wife’s social media post and the fact it made “very serious allegations against me”.
“Our marriage broke down over four years ago. Those closest to our family are well aware of the reasons for the breakdown of our marriage and the continued issues we have faced since that time,” he said.
Mr Gallagher insisted the allegations “have been investigated and dealt with by the relevant authorities”.