Former First Minister Rhodri Morgan 'a true patriot', funeral service told

  • Wales

Former Welsh First Minister Rhodri Morgan was a "true patriot" and a "remarkable Welshman", hundreds of mourners have been told at his funeral.

Family, friends and colleagues shared memories of the 77-year-old, who died on May 17 after collapsing while cycling near Cardiff, during a ceremony celebrating his life and work, which was held at the National Assembly in Cardiff Bay on Wednesday.

Mr Morgan, who spent more than 30 years in politics and led the country as first minister for almost 10 years from 2000, was described as the father of devolution and the father of Wales by a number of those who spoke at the public event.

Rhodri's wife and Cardiff North AM, Julie spoke to ITV Wales.

There were 360 places inside the service, with additional room for the public on the steps of the Senedd. Credit: Senedd.tv

There was silence among the hundreds standing on the steps of the Senedd, who had arrived too late to get one of the 360 places inside, as the hearse carrying Mr Morgan's Welsh flag-draped coffin arrived.

Touching tributes included the first song, Calon Lan, a Welsh hymn, which was led by Mr Morgan's grandson Efan, who sang the first verse and chorus alone before being joined by the other mourners.

Rhodri Morgan's grandson Efan led the first song, Calon Lan. Credit: Senedd.tv

Then Mr Morgan's brother Prys spoke, switching between Welsh and English, sharing his memories of his younger sibling, who he said he wanted to thank "for nearly 80 years of company", before the politician's two daughters shared humorous stories from their childhood.

Former MP Paul Murphy, who was elected to Westminster alongside Mr Morgan in 1987, said his friend of nearly four decades was "a true Welsh patriot".

He described their time in the House of Commons together:

Mr Morgan was elected MP for Cardiff West in 1987, working as shadow environment spokesman and chairing the House of Commons Public Administration Select Committee before assuming office in the Assembly in 1999.

He became first minister in 2000 following the resignation of Alun Michael and led the Welsh Assembly until, in September 2009, on his 70th birthday, he announced he would be relinquishing his post.

Bridgend AM Carwyn Jones, who read Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night, by Welsh poet Dylan Thomas at the funeral, succeeded him.

First Minister Carwyn Jones reads a poem by Dylan Thomas at the funeral. Credit: Senedd.tv

Mr Morgan announced he would be retiring from politics altogether about a year later, leaving the institution as his wife Julie, a former MP, was elected as Assembly Member for Cardiff North.

Kevin Brennan, who succeeded Mr Morgan as MP for Cardiff West, said:

The ceremony, which was open to the public, was conducted by humanist celebrant and former assembly member Lorraine Barrett and relayed through speakers on the steps of the Senedd and streamed live. It can be viewed here.

The Welsh national anthem was played as Mr Morgan's coffin was taken from the Senedd and placed in the waiting hearse.

Dozens, if not hundreds of passers-by, who had stopped to pay their respects, joined in the singing before all of those present broke into applause and did not stop clapping until the vehicle was out of sight.

There will be a service of committal at the Wenallt Chapel in Thornhill Crematorium at 2pm on Thursday, which will also be open to the public.