ALLEGATIONS in a case involving Derry's senior gaelic football manager were referred by police to prosecutors, but a decision was taken not to bring charges.
Rory Gallagher has now responded to what he described as "very serious" claims made by his former wife.
Due to lead Derry into the Ulster Senior Football Championship final against Armagh on Sunday, he is at the centre of allegations that he subjected his wife to numerous vicious attacks over two decades.
His estranged wife Nicola told this week of how she had been the victim of serious domestic violence for more than 24 years.
In a post on social media, she claimed she had been beaten "into an inch of my life", strangled, bitten on the face and dragged by the hair along the street.
She said she was speaking out to encourage other young women who are being abused to know that "silence is not the answer".
The PSNI said it had "investigated a number of reported incidents and files have been submitted to the Public Prosecution Service".
It has been reported that the PPS received two investigation files from the PSNI in January and June 2022.
It was determined there was not enough evidence to provide a reasonable prospect of conviction in relation to any individual.
In a statement issued to The Irish News through his solicitor, Mr Gallagher responded and said he had "been made aware of a social media post by my estranged wife" in which "she has made a number of very serious allegations against me".
"Our marriage broke down over four years ago," he said.
"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 he had "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."
In a statement, Derry GAA said it "condemns all forms of domestic violence".
Ulster GAA Provincial Secretary and CEO Brian McAvoy also addressed the issue of domestic abuse in a statement issued in advance of Sunday's final.
"While we cannot comment or make judgement on any specific allegation or allegations, Ulster GAA does not condone any form of domestic violence," he said.
"We are proud to have joined with White Ribbon NI in pledging to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women. We encourage and support anyone who has been a victim of such abuse not to suffer in silence but to avail of the statutory and voluntary support services that are available in the community."
