Dave Gallaher

Dave Gallaher moved to New Zealand with his family in 1878 when his father took up the land at Katikati. He was educated at the local school where his mother was a teacher. He moved to Auckland and he played junior football for the Parnell club before he transferred to Ponsonby. He served as a Corporal in the 6th Contingent in 1901 in the Boer War.

Gallaher was selected for the 1903 New Zealand team which won all 20 of it's matches played in Australia. Gallaher began the tour as hooker ending the tour playing as a wing forward. This position he occupied only occasionally for Auckland but it was in this position he was to achieve fame. He played against the 1904 British team at Athletic Park. In 1905 he was appointed the captain of the original All Blacks. His statistics were recorded as him being 13 stone and 6 feet. In Britain Gallaher's tactics as wing forward were getting criticized with frequent complaints that he was off-side or obstructing play but his team of 'Colonials' earned respect for their dazzling style and magnificent record.

Gallaher retired at the end of his tour and served as the sole Auckland selector for new team players from 1906 to 1916 and then for New Zealand in 1907 to 1914. 

Gallaher died of wounds received in battle on the 4th October 1917 in Belgium at Passchendale and was buried in the Nine Elms cemetery, Poperinghe.

In 1922, the Auckland RFU presented the Gallaher Shield for the club championship in his memory.

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