An internal investigation by the GAA into domestic abuse claims against Rory Gallagher is underway, the organisation has confirmed.

The former Derry manager and Fermanagh player from Belleek has been accused by his former wife Nicola of physical abuse over a 24-year period.

Mr Gallagher’s future in the organisation hinges on the outcome of the internal investigation with Ulster GAA central to that probe.

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.

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”.

Now it has emerged that the GAA has been conducting its own investigation.

In a statement, a spokesman for Ulster GAA said yesterday (Wednesday): "The Ulster GAA Adult Safeguarding Panel is considering this case. Their deliberations are ongoing, and they will report to Ulster GAA when finalised.”

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and Gardai are reviewing the claims.

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