Tributes paid to 'irreplaceable' writer Alun

TRIBUTES have been paid to Llanelli-born writer and broadcaster Alun Gibbard, who has died aged 65 following an illness.

- JAMES ARNOTT

Alun was well-known as a producer and presenter, reading Radio Cymru bulletins, and was part of the Tinopolis team.

Most recently he was known as a talented writer, publishing more than 30 books in Welsh and English.

He coauthored several biographies including Y da a ir misreidus - the story of Aled Hall; Mab y Mans, the autobiography of Arfon Haines Davies; Yn Erbyn y Ffactore, the autobiography of Non Evans; and Cofion Gorau, the biography of Tony and Aloma.

He was also the author of Into The Wind, a biography of ex-Scarlets coach Carwyn James, and Who Beat the All Blacks? telling the story of that famous Stradey Park day in 1972 when New Zealand were beaten 9-3.

In addition he wrote a biography of the former First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones.