THE father of Rory Gallagher, the GAA star accused by his wife of physical abuse over a 24-year period, has been arrested for allegedly assaulting supporters of a fundraising event for Women’s Aid held in her honour.  

Gerry Gallagher was arrested in Belleek last week on suspicion of “common assault” following the incident.  

It is alleged that he verbally abused several people who publicly supported his former daughter-in-law Nicola Gallagher after she made claims about domestic abuse by her then husband Rory Gallagher.  

Back in May a fundraising event for Fermanagh Women’s Aid was launched in Belleek and in 10 days more than £10,000 was raised for the charity.  

However, it is claimed that in recent weeks Mr. Gallagher (Senior) attacked those who had supported the fundraising event. 

A spokeswoman for the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said: “Police arrested a man, aged in his 70s, in the Belleek area on Wednesday afternoon, August 2, on suspicion of common assault.” 

“He was later released on police bail to allow for further enquiries to be carried out. The investigation continues.” 

In a lengthy post on social media back in May, Ms Gallagher – who separated from her husband in September, 2019 – detailed the serious abuse she allegedly suffered at the hands of the former GAA manager and player. 

Among the claims, she said Mr. Gallagher had pushed her down the stairs during one of her pregnancies. 

In an interview with the Sunday Independent earlier this year, the mother-of-three said: “If my story helps one woman or man, then it will have been worth it.” 

At the time the allegations first emerged online, Mr. Gallagher released a statement before later stepping down as manager of Derry GAA. 

In it, he said, “I have been made aware of a social media post by my estranged wife Nicola Gallagher in which she has made a number of very serious allegations against me. 

“I have left this matter in the hands of my legal team and ask that the privacy of our family is respected at this time. 

“I will not be making any further public comment on this matter.” 

He said the allegations against him had been “investigated and dealt with by the relevant authorities”. 

However, it is understood both the PSNI and Gardai are reviewing the claims.