Darryn nets top award
NGN speaks to Northwood School hockey coach, Darryn Gallagher who was named coach of the year recently.
DARRYN Gallagher has served his country with distinction, capped 87 times, which included nine goals. He has also competed at the Beijing Olympics, is the head of Northwood School hockey and is the current men’s U21 head coach. It would be fair to say his name is synonymous with the sport of hockey. He was recently named ‘Coach of the Year’ at Northwood Schools’ sportman’s banquet. As head of hockey at the school and having the mantel first team coach, the Durban North resident has helped the school reach the number one spot in KZN hockey rankings and third in South Africa.
The first team had an incredible season playing 25 matches, winning 21, losing just two and drawing two. “I’ve worked with these talented group of lads for three years with this year geared towards being the most successful. The team showed exceptional character and heart. They were able to turn losing games into winning positions and that’s what champion teams do.
“Northwood hockey has grown from strength to strength and with the growing talent pool at the school the future of the sport is bright,” he said.
While the school hockey season has ended, Gallagher has now turned his attention to the SA U21 men’s hockey team that will be competing at the Junior World Cup which will be held in India. “To qualify for the world cup has been amazing, the guys are extremely chuffed. We played some tough games in the qualifiers and for the team to triumph over a tough Egyptian team was the cherry on the top.
He added the team has started its preparations in earnest, but admitted it wasn’t going to be easy. “We would love to finish in the top eight, we have a talented group of players and if we get the opportunity I’m confident the boys’ can break into the upper echelon of the junior hockey ranks.
