Volcanoes, connection & disrespect - the making of Hallgrimsson
Off the south coast of Iceland, famous for its wind-swept black beaches and picturesque landscape, sits the small, isolated island of Heimaey. Part of the Westman Islands, the dominating hills and threatening volcanoes frame the harbour, where fishing provides the main source of income. In the height of the harsh winters it can almost be cut off from the mainland, yet in the long summer days with the midnight sun, its beauty shines through as the wildlife comes to the fore.
Some describe it as "the place that makes no sense", yet it is where Republic of Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson calls home. In January 1973, when he was five, the Eldfell volcano erupted without warning and forced the entire 4,000-strong town to evacuate to the mainland. While some of the town was ruined, brave locals used sea water to cool the lava and slow its flow, which saved it, and crucially the harbour, from total destruction.
Former England U19 captain Vale in Republic of Ireland squad When Hallgrimsson and his family returned, it is where his love of football developed, first as a player and then as a coach at IBV Vestmannaeyjar. It's also where he met his wife, Iris, who played for the women's team, and where his now-famous dental practice is situated. More than 50 years on from the famous eruption, the island now plays host to the biggest annual festival in Iceland, and to the largest kids football tournaments, both in the shadow of the volcanoes.
Heimaey translates into 'home island', and it shaped the man, the manager and a national hero. "It's a very tight-knit community and you can sense it when you are there, especially when it translates to sport," said Icelandic football journalist Gudmundur Adalsteinn Asgeirsson. "They always have an incredible team spirit, and Heimir is a great example of someone from the Westman Islands.
"He's extremely hard working, takes on different roles and pulls his sleeves up. " Eldfell's eruption in 1973 caused devastation in the town of Heimeay, but the use of sea water saved the harbour from total destruction After overachieving with IBV's men's and women's teams in his early years as a coach, he was appointed assistant manager to Iceland head coach Lars Lagerback in 2011. It was a succession plan which was set to see Lagerback take a step back in 2014.