Danny Gallanagh is sill on a high after getting married to Pauline a few weeks ago. They enjoyed a romantic honeymoon on the volcanic Greek islands of Santorini. Originally from Perth in Western Australia, Danny has been running his highly successful outdoor pursuit business for four years. The Inishowen Surf School teaches locals and tourists the art of catching the waves on the rock free beaches of Culdaff, Ballyliffin and Clonmany. You will be in safe hands as Danny is also a part-time lifeguard at the leisure centre in Buncrana and a swimming teacher. If you fancy trying out surfing the you can contact Danny on 087 777 3323 or check out the website on
http://www.inishowensurfschool.com/
What music do you like?
At the moment I am listening to Jack Johnson and Groove Armada. I also enjoy good old-fashioned rock.
What would you never throw away?
Old surfboards. It doesn’t matter how damaged they are, they can always get fixed up, even if they are in two pieces. I wouldn’t throw my car keys away either, I am always looking for them.
What book are you reading?I usually have a few on the go. At the moment I am reading a crime fiction novel by David Baldacci called ‘Simple Genius’ and ‘Between a Rock and a Hard Place’ by the climber Aron Ralston.
What was your favourite childhood game?I enjoyed all of the usual physical games but I took up surfing at the age of ten, which took up most of my time. I would surf all day then watch the sun set on Cottesloe beach in Perth as I ate a bag of chips.
Have you been to the cinema recently, what did you see and was it any good?Iron Man- It is a very graphic film taken from an idea from Marvel comics. It was very enjoyable.
What section of the newspaper do you turn to first?I am a bit of a flicker when it comes to newspapers. I usually check out the sporting pages to see if I know any faces though.
What is your idea of a good night out?I really enjoy live bands when I am out and about. It puts you in a great mood. The last band I saw was Gurnica in Roddens.
Most embarrassing moment of your life?
I was at the chip shop after surfing when Johnny (The Fish) Stevenson ran up behind me and pulled down my tracksuit pants. I was just out of the freezing cold sea and was going commando. The woman behind the counter took one look and burst out laughing…
Have you a favourite TV programme?Heroes
How do you relax?
It has to be surfing. If I am feeling lazy then a video will do.
What job did you want to do when you were a child?I wanted to be an artist as I loved drawing. I did go to college in Derry for two years to study fine art and I am involved with the Inishowen Artist Group, so I hope to take it up again.
Where are you going for your holidays?We are going snowboarding in France early next year, it’s great fun.
Your idea of heaven?To be relaxed and able to run free.
Your idea of hell?
Being under pressure.
What famous people would you invite around for dinner and why?Kelly Slater the pro surfer who has won the world title eight times. David Attenborough could make an appearance too.
Favourite animal?
Dogs. I have a very loyal Italian greyhound called Roxy.
What couldn’t you live without?Breakfast… It’s the best meal of the day and my knees turn to jelly if I miss it. I usually have cereal and toast.
Biggest fear?Performing in front of a large crowd. I am getting better at it though, especially after the wedding ceremony. It was like being a film star with the paparazzi chasing you.
Biggest thrill?Surfing the big waves.
Biggest disappointment?
When my father died when I was ten years old. It put life into perspective and I started to realise just how precious it is.
Which period in history would you most like to have lived through?Give me the 1970’s, the birth of skateboarding and surfing…
World’s most useful invention?
The Internet. You can find really rare books. I bought one recently from America that was out of print for 40 years. It is handy for research too. I spotted a Porbeagle shark in Tallagh bay and was able to look up the details instantly.
Personal philosophy?Be who you want to be.
Thanks to Scoil Naomh Padraig school for the image.
