GALLAHER, DAVID (1874-1917) was born at Belfast, Ireland, and came to New Zealand with his parents, who were members of G. Vesey Stewart's settlement near Tauranga. On leaving school he worked in Auckland, where he became a departmental foreman in a freezing establishment. He was a fine Rugby footballer and for some years captained the Auckland provincial team, notably in 1903 against England. In 1905-06 he captained the All Black team which toured England, winning 31 out of 32 matches. Gallaher was the greatest wing forward who ever appeared in New Zealand Rugby and was described by the Morning Post (London) as "a real artist in the novel position." He acted as sole selector for Auckland province for some years.

Gallaher served in a New Zealand contingent in the Boer War. In the war of 1914-18 he became a sergeant-major and died of wounds in France on 4 Oct 1917.

G.H. Dixon, Triumphant Tour of the New Zealand Footballers, 1906 (p); N.Z. Rugby Annual, 1920 (p); N.Z. Herald, 13 Oct 1917; Evening Post, 15 Oct.

Reference: Volume 1, page 159

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