ANOTHER Urdd national Eisteddfod ended late last night with organisers claiming the week-long event was a major success.
Eisteddfod director Sian Eirian said the week was a celebration of "all that is brilliant in the young people of Wales" and you can't really argue with that.
During the week I didn't visit the Pavilion as much as I had hoped. There is so much to see amnd do on the Eisteddfod Maes it is difficult to find the time and the live television link to the back stage areas, which included the press room, meant I was able to keep up with events without actually being front of house.
I managed a couple of hours in the pavilion on Saturday however and it was quite enthralling. The enthusiasm of the young people taking part is very infectious. And it was really heartwarming seeing my former Aelwyd doing so well. I lost count of the number of times I heard Aelwyd yr Ynys called onto the stage and then recalled back later to pick up their awards.
Seeing groups of youngsters finding quiet corners of the Eisteddfod Maes for some last minute rehearsals is quite heartwarming and one the authorities should encourage. Perhaps the new Assembly government might think about making financial payments to schools, aelwydydd and other Urdd groups to help pay their expenses to travel to the Eisteddfod.
There were also a number of new Aelwydydd in evidence. More evidence of Sian Eirian's assertion that th Eisteddfod leaves a permanent legacy after a visit.
Well done to everyone who took part in the Eisteddfod. Hopefully next year's festival will be equally as successful if not more so.
The most emotional event on Saturday evening occurred when Ray Gravell wheeled himself on stage. The former Llanelli and Wales rugby player (who I once foolishly tried to tackle!) lives just a few miles from the Eisteddfod maes but serious illness followed by radical surgery prevented Ray from being on the Maes as he would have during the week.
Invited to present the winner of the BBC's young talent competition with his prize Ray made his first public appearance since leaving hospital in mid April.
The capacity audience in the Pavilion rose as one to greet the man who many look to for inspiration. Clearly overcome with emotion Ray managed to raise himself off his wheelchair for a few moments to acknowledge the reception.
He said he had been "humbled" by the messages of support from around the world he had received during his recovery.
At first, two toes on his right foot were amputated, before the decision was taken to remove his right leg below the knee.
Ray said the trip to the Urdd was particularly special "as the festival's in my area this year - West is Best!"
While the Eisteddfod is a celebration of youth a special mention must be made to surely the oldest visitor to the Eisteddfod Maes. 98-year old Mrs Jones from Llangoed has been a regular vsitor to the Urdd Eisteddfod, and the National Eisteddfod as well, for a number of years. Accompanied by her son Alun she said they were staying at Saundersfoot a few miles west of the Maes and was enjoying the Eisteddfod visiting various stalls and enjoying the entertainment in the main pavilion.
