Sheila & Danny McCrorey

VALE - Danny McCrorey

It is with great sadness we note the passing of life member, club stalwart and life long supporter, Danny McCrorey, who has passed away at the age of 91. Danny along with his wife Shelia, emigrated from Scotland to New Zealand in 1960 and before they’d even got off the ship, they had joined Diamonds Football Club.

Danny soon became captain of the team and was a key figure in winning the Venus Shield in 1963. The following season he took over as coach of Diamonds and led the team to a further two Venus Shields. With Danny at the helm, the 1965 season goes down as one of the most successful in Diamonds history, winning the Venus Shield, Hilton Petone Cup, the newly formed Central Region competition and reaching the North Island Final of the Chatham Cup.

After stepping back from the coaching role, Danny stayed involved with the club joining the committee and over time served in pretty much every possible position, including Chair and President. Danny also served on the Wellington Football Association and was made a life member of that organisation (now Capital Football).

He also continued coaching focusing on juniors and youth and forging relationships with schools to bring young players into the club. He was also an age group coach for Wellington FA representative sides and coached many sides at Wellington High School, where he worked as a woodwork teacher.

Danny was a devoted Wellington United fan regularly attending games at Newtown Park and quite often away grounds around Wellington as well. We will miss him greatly.

Our thoughts go out to his wife Shelia and their family.
A private service has been held.
 

Danny's VW painted to celebrate the All Whites qualifying for the 1982 World Cup