A journey from the classrooms and sports fields of St Bede’s to a successful career, on and off the pitch.

“Forward – played attractive attacking soccer - an intelligent player who covered for any position on the field” so reads the comment in the 1981 Bedean for Danny Halligan, who would go on to become, to date, St Bede’s most capped All White.

On leaving St Bede's, Danny embarked on a career with BNZ while simultaneously pursuing his dual passions for football and cricket. He played National League football for Christchurch United and Premier Grade cricket for Riccarton. However, his selection for the All Whites in 1987 demanded that he choose between the two sports, and he chose football. "The opportunity to represent New Zealand was a dream come true," Danny recalls. "It required full commitment, and I had to make a tough decision to focus solely on football."

The Christchurch United team that Danny played in from 1987–1991 is considered one of the most dominant and successful clubs in New Zealand football history, winning 3 National League titles and 2 Chatham Cups in that 5-year period. “Playing and training alongside the likes of Steve Sumner enabled me to learn from the best and take my own game to greater heights” he says.

In 1991, Danny took up a professional contract with Brisbane United in the Australian National League. This opportunity allowed him and his wife Kathryn to move to a new country, enjoy a change of lifestyle, and for Danny to challenge himself at a higher level, week in, week out. During this period, he continued to represent the All Whites, playing around the globe and earning 53 caps in the process. "Playing internationally was an incredible experience. It showed me what is possible with hard work and dedication," he says.

He considers the highlight of his All Whites career, which spanned 7 years, to be the opportunity to play in NZ Football’s Centenary series against the full England team in 1991. “To compete against world class players, the likes of Gary Lineker, David Platt and Stuart Pearce, was an honour and an incredible experience. To be on the pitch with players of that quality was a dream come true and something that as a young footballer growing up in Christchurch, I never would have considered possible” he says.  

Returning to Christchurch in 1994, Danny retired from international football, and started a family. He also launched his coaching career while still playing domestically at the highest level and would go on to play in his final National League match in 2006 at the age of 41 years.

Danny’s coaching career went on to span almost 30 years and took him through various levels of the game, from Under 8’s and youth development, through to National League with Canterbury United. He was the inaugural coach of the franchise, coaching them to the National League Grand Final in 2005. Danny had a significant impact on the developing careers of many young footballers from Christchurch, identifying and coaching two of New Zealand’s most talented players, Ryan Nelsen and Ben Sigmund. Both players went on to have very successful professional and international careers. "Coaching allowed me to give back to the sport that gave me so much," Danny notes. "I enjoyed mentoring young players and helping them develop their character, skills and match awareness".

Whilst embarking on his coaching journey, Danny was also developing his business career and took up a role at Foodstuffs SI, where he went on to work in Senior Executive positions for 28 years. In 2022, he made a significant career change, securing the position of General Manager of Customer Experience for CDC, a pharmaceutical wholesale company. "It was time for a new challenge," he explains. "The transition has been exciting and has allowed me to apply my skills in a different industry." He firmly believes that the many lessons and skills that he learnt during his time as a player and a coach have been transferable into his business career.

Reflecting on his time at St Bede's, Danny credits Fr Brian Cummings (staff 1980-88, Rector 1990-2001) for having a significant impact on his life as a teacher, sports coach, mentor, and friend. "Fr Cummings' encouragement and positive attitude always inspired me," he says. Danny values the balance St Bede's provided in terms of sporting and academic opportunities, which laid a solid foundation for his diverse career. His initial thoughts on leaving school were focused on his sporting career, but his parents emphasised the importance of having a life balance with opportunities beyond sports. "The advice and guidance that my parents provided at the time proved invaluable and ensured that I was able to pursue sporting and business opportunities concurrently and my opportunities were never limited”.

Fr Brian regarded Danny as the best cricketer during his time in charge of the college team. In 'Faith of Our Fathers', the College Centennial history, Fr Brian is quoted as saying, "He could have gone a long way. Even though I knew he would specialise in the football area," he added, "I was really disappointed when he gave up cricket."

Danny's sporting and business careers have constantly evolved, a change he has embraced by always seeking improvement and new challenges. Being selected to represent New Zealand was a life-changing experience for Danny, demonstrating the possibilities that come with commitment and hard work. However, he considers the most rewarding experience of his life is guiding and watching his children, Jordan and Jess, achieve success in their chosen fields. "Without question, the highlight has been seeing our children succeed and reach their goals whilst becoming well-rounded, confident and independent young people" he says. 

Danny is keen to emphasise and acknowledge the support and encouragement that his wife Kathryn provided while he pursued his sporting career. “Kathryn always understood how much time and effort I needed to put in if I wanted to be successful and she has always provided me with perspective and balance.” 

Danny encourages Bedeans to set goals but remain open to all opportunities. "It's important to set goals and targets, but not to restrict your options because of those goals," he advises. "Be adaptable and prepared to go outside your comfort zone. You never know what opportunities might present themselves, so be open and ready to grasp them. Don't see mistakes or failure as negative, but rather as opportunities to learn and improve."

St Bede's College celebrates Danny Halligan's remarkable journey and contributions, both on and off the field. His story is an inspiring example of what can be achieved with dedication, hard work and a willingness to embrace change.