The Otago Daily Times counts down the 150 greatest moments in Otago sport.
No 100: Gallaway's first broadcast (1953)
The voice of Otago sport made his first broadcast from Carisbrook in 1953 and his last, almost 40 years later, in 1992.
A first-class cricketer and rugby referee, Gallaway's assured, mellifluous tones delighted listeners throughout New Zealand. He replaced another broadcasting legend, Whang McKenzie, behind the microphone in Dunedin.
Gallaway recalled that he hardly slept the night before his first commentary (a club match) and he was too nervous to eat breakfast or lunch.
He estimated he made more than 500 rugby commentaries during the next 26 years and missed only six games, four after suffering a slight stroke in 1972.
Broadcasting remained a part-time occupation for Gallaway - he practised as a lawyer throughout his working life - although he became a senior member of the team that covered New Zealand's cricket tests.
Gallaway became a hugely respected figure in New Zealand sport and a confidant of many leading players and administrators.
He made his final broadcast from Carisbrook in March 1992, when New Zealand beat India in the cricket World Cup. The great Bert Sutcliffe, whose career Gallaway had described from the commentary box, was on hand to make a special presentation.
