From pitch to Gorsedd ... Wales honours its talent

A TALENTED footballer, a well-known actor, and a journalist were honoured by Gorsedd Cymru at the National Eisteddfod.

- BY ERYL CRUMP

Lili Mai Jones from Wrexham was among the 38 people who were invested into the blue or green robes of the Gorsedd by the Archdruid of Wales, Mererid Hopwood, during a special ceremony at the Eisteddfod on the festival Maes in Is-y-Coed near Wrexham.

Also honoured were a member of a popular rock group, the leader of Plaid Cymru, and an inspirational music teacher.

The Archdruid heard that Lili Mai Jones is part of the women's football revolution in Wales, particularly in Wrexham.

Having played for Wrexham Club Academy since the age of 12, she spent two seasons with Everton before rejoining Wrexham. She is a familiar voice on radio and television programmes, discussing the growing influence of football on the physical and mental health of young women.

The player's family was seen near the Gorsedd Circle as she was honoured.

Before the ceremony, she said: "I'm a girl from Wrexham, and I feel I'm in the right place at the right time. I can't believe that the things I do - because I love doing them - inspire other people.

"The Welsh language is important to me, and the fact that I'm being recognised by the Gorsedd is hard to believe, but it means a lot to me."

Her name in the Gorsedd Circle is Lili ferch Gareth.

"That's in memory of Dad. It'll be nice to take Dad with me on this next journey and keep his name alive."