In a poignant ceremony held at Dave Gallaher Park in Ramelton, County Donegal, the legacy of All Blacks legend Dave Gallaher was celebrated with a symbolic exchange of soil, marking his ‘homecoming.’ Gallaher, who left Ramelton at the age of five, became a pivotal figure in New Zealand rugby, captaining the historic 1905 All Blacks team, known as the Originals. This team achieved an extraordinary record, winning 34 of 35 matches during their tour of Great Britain, Ireland, France, and the USA, with their only loss to Wales. Gallaher’s life was tragically cut short during World War I at the Battle of Passchendaele in 1917. The ceremony, attended by former All Blacks captain Sean Fitzpatrick, featured the exchange of sacred soil from New Zealand’s Eden Park and Irish soil from Ramelton, symbolizing the enduring connection between Gallaher’s birthplace and his adopted homeland. Fitzpatrick described Gallaher as the ‘original All Black,’ emphasizing the humility and legacy he instilled in the team. The event also included musical performances by a traditional Maori singing group, Te Waka Aumihi, and the recitation of a poem titled ‘Common Ground.’ Kevin Shields, one of the event organizers, highlighted Gallaher’s dual legacy as both a rugby icon and a war hero, noting that the ceremony honored his Irish roots and celebrated his global impact. Malcolm Stewart, a relative of Gallaher, expressed pride in their family’s connection to the legend, describing the soil exchange as a monumental day for the community. The event underscored the profound influence Gallaher had on New Zealand rugby and the enduring respect for his contributions to the sport and the nation.