A staple figure in the Cromwell touch rugby community, the Cromwell College teacher dedicates hours to the sport, co-ordinating games in the wider Central Otago region — including a local school competition for primary-aged players to introduce youngsters to the sport, and games for older pupils at rural schools so they can play within their local area.
She also helps to organise the Cromwell College team’s travel to Queenstown each week, where players can extend their skills in an adult module competition.
Her love of the sport started after she was thrown "in the deep end" coaching a team while she was teaching at Marlborough Girls’ College.
"I had played touch at high school but really never knew what I was doing — I played rugby for a number of years and that was my main sport," she said.
"[The school] threw me in the deep end coaching the touch team — I think they thought because I played rugby I would make a good touch coach.
"Not the case — [they’re] totally different sports."
She learnt "the hard way" but with the right support and coaching, she ended up playing competitively and now followed her own children in the sport.
"I love touch because it is a game for everyone. It is easily accessible — all you need is a bit of grass and a ball.
"We have played in the local comp for a number of our years with our kids, which is awesome. It is fast, skilful and exciting to play and watch."
Ms Gallagher has been named a Bunnings Home Ground Hero, in a new initiative involving the hardware chain and Touch NZ which recognises central figures in the grassroots touch rugby community.
One of five inaugural winners selected out of 120 nominees from throughout the country, Ms Gallagher pockets $5000, which she intends to put towards travel expenses and new uniforms for the players.
Touch NZ chief executive Joe Sprangers said there had been an "incredible response" from the touch community in nominating Home Ground Heroes.
"It is fantastic to see so many amazing individuals doing such great mahi for the sport we love, and it made for a tough job selecting our five inaugural winners."
Bunnings New Zealand head of operations Derek Powell said each recipient had made a positive impact on their touch community and contributed to making the game more accessible and enjoyable for everyone involved.
