GAA president Jarlath Burns had a hand in Rory Gallagher U-turn with Naas

The top man in the GAA intervened, according to reports.

The Leinster Leader said that an agreement had been made between the club and Gallagher before the sudden U-turn.

Gallagher stood down from his role with Derry ahead of the 2023 Ulster final after allegations of abuse from his wife Nicola and has been part of the coaching staff with Monaghan club Corduff over the last year.

The Independent has reported that ahead of Naas' decision, Burns had emailed the club to express concern over the appointment, in light of the allegations.

It is understood that he referenced the role of the GAA, LFGA, and Camogie Association, in the launch of the Game Changer project last November.

Ruhama and White Ribbon Ireland are also involved with the project, which uses sport to raise awareness to help tackle Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.

Gallagher was in the running last year to return to his role with Derry, but this subsequently fell through.

Last September, his solicitors said: "Following unfounded allegations made last year, a decision was taken by Ulster GAA to disbar him from the GAA.

"Our client successfully challenged the decision to disbar him from the GAA, before the disputes resolution authority (DRA).

"The DRA found, amongst other things, that Ulster GAA were incorrect in their decision to disbar Mr Gallagher.

"He has since returned to senior football management with Corduff, Co. Monaghan. Therefore, put simply, there is no legal barrier to our client returning to inter county GAA management.

"Indeed, our client fully intends to return to inter county management in the near future.

"Regrettably, given continued ‘trial by social media’, our client, after consultation with his three young children, has had no alternative but to make the instant details public."