Rugby World Cup referee Nigel Owens praises cousin's Eisteddfod Trefeglwys win

Helen Davies, from Felin Fach, Ceredigion, won Eisteddfod Trefeglwys’ most prestigious prize – the chair – for her poem called ‘Peace’ on Saturday, October 4, at Trefeglwys Memorial Hall.

Her poem was about the peace of mind and support which her cousin the renowned rugby referee Nigel Owens had after realising his sexuality.

The Welshman is the first openly gay man to referee at the highest level of rugby.

Regarded as one of the best rugby union referees, Mr Owens praised his family member’s achievement to his 375,000 followers on social media.

He said in a post in Welsh: “Many congratulations to my cousin Helen Davies, formerly Helen Owens, for winning the chair last night at Eisteddfod Trefeglwys near Llanidloes.

“She wrote a poem in tribute to me and her pseudonym in the competition was ‘Mair’ in tribute to Mum who died more than 10 years ago.”

Mr Owens added: “Family, friends and good health are the most important things in life xx”

104th Eisteddfod Trefeglwys

A poem on peace of mind obtained by renowned rugby referee Nigel Owens won the chair at the 104th Eisteddfod arranged by the Trefeglwys Eisteddfod Committee.

The Chair was offered for the poem called ‘Peace’ by Helen Davies from Felin Fach, Ceredigion.

Her poem was about the peace of mind and support which her cousin, Nigel Owens, had after realising his sexuality.

The recitation and literature adjudicator was Aled Lewis Evans, Wrexham, Nia Morgan, Bala, was the music adjudicator with Alison and Ella Whitticase, Trefeglwys adjudicating the dancing. Other adjudicators in the off stage competitions were Llangurig’s Wendy Wigley in the arts and crafts competitions, Delma Thomas, Caersws, with the children’s literature, and handwriting was Eryl Douglas Jones, Trefeglwys.

The children’s competitions during the afternoon were very well supported especially from Ysgol Dyffryn Trannon with up to 15 competing in several competitions.

The cup for the most promising performer went to Aria Wyn Davies, Llanbrynmair, with Eos Jones, Llanfyllin, winning the Catrin Alwen Shield for the best solo performance.

Holly Connor won the cup in the off stage competitions.

The President Hywel Anwyl, Llanbrynmair, was kept busy presenting the cups during the evening session. He spoke about the companionship and support he has had while competing in eisteddfodau all around Wales in the over 60 solo competition and he delighted everyone by singing a hymn at the end of his oration.

The accompanists were Alwenna Nutting, Aberhafesp and John Moore, Shrewsbury with Bethan Lloyd Owen, Sali Ann Preston and Gareth Jenkins conducting the proceedings.

Chairman of the Eisteddfod Committee, Dr Iwan Owen, thanked everyone for their support this year.