IRFU President Unveils Memorial To Original All Black In Donegal
IRFU President Philip Orr recently unveiled a memorial to Dave Gallaher, captain of the Original All Blacks, to mark the 100th anniversary of the legendary player’s death at the Battle of Passchendale.
Born in Ramelton in Donegal, Dave Gallaher’s family emigrated to New Zealand when he was a child. Gallaher is revered as the captain of 1905/06 New Zealand team that won 34 out of 35 matches over the course of the ‘Originals’ tour and setting a standard for all future All Blacks teams to follow.
Gallaher enlisted in the New Zealand Division and was killed 100 years ago at Passchendale in 1917.
The memorial was unveiled by Sir Jerry Mateparae, New Zealand High Commissioner for the UK and Ireland, and IRFU President Philip Orr.
It was designed by local boy James Sweeney who, along with his sister, presented replicas of the memorial to Philip and Sir Jerry on the day. James plays for Letterkenny RFC where he captains the Under-18 side.
The ceremony was attended by members of the extended Gallaher family from both Donegal and New Zealand.