Welsh singer Dafydd Iwan fought back tears as he performed a poignant rendition of Yma O Hyd at the final resting place of a Welsh teenager who died earlier this month. Josh Roberts, who was a huge football fan and a student at Cardiff Metropolitan University, died on June 2 in an alleged hit and run on Fford Waunfawr.
A huge funeral was held for him in Caernarfon town on Friday with hundreds of people lining the streets wearing football shirts of Josh's favourite teams - Everton, Wales, Caernarfon Town, GymGym and Bontnewydd. The ceremony was closed by Dagydd Iwan's Yma O Hyd, which has taken on a second life as a football hymn in recent years, DailyPost reports.
The 79-year-old performed a stirring rendition of the classic song before Josh was finally laid to rest at the cemetery across the road from Eglwys Llanbeblig. Before he started singing he told the congregation: "I'm hopeless at funerals but you've all seen me cry before", in reference to his tearful performance at Cardiff City Stadium after Wales beat Ukraine to qualify for the World Cup.
Standing yards away from the 19-year-old's final resting place, he then told the congregation: "I'm singing this song today for Josh" as he started strumming his guitar and uttered the first words of the famous opening verse. Josh's family, his countless friends, and others gathered at the cemetery then accompanied the folk singer as he belted out the chorus.
From start to finish, the day was a celebration of the 19-year-old's life. Everybody who spoke at the ceremony mentioned Josh's smile and sense of humour and there was plenty of laughter on the day as those closest to him shared their abiding memories of him which will remain Yma O Hyd.
In a tribute released earlier this month, Josh's family said: “Joshua was raised in Caernarfon and schooled in the local area. Joshua was a happy, outgoing hardworking man who had time for everyone.
"He was very well known in the local area and enjoyed spending time with his friends and family and always had a lovely smile on his face. He was devoted to all his family and would give anyone his time.
"He was a great older brother to Roni, a fantastic little brother to Abi and step-brother to Jâc. He was a passionate football fan and enjoyed supporting both Everton (COYB) and his hometown of Caernarfon. He was a valued team member of Bontnewydd Football Club and also Cardiff Metropolitan University Gym Gym Society.
“Joshua enjoyed travelling and enjoyed many holidays abroad. Joshua was studying in Cardiff University and was in the second year of a Sports Performance Analysis Degree. Johua returned home regularly to see his family and work in the local area.
“The family wish to thank those who have reached out to them in this difficult time. We are absolutely heartbroken, and we would now like time to grieve and would ask to be given the appropriate privacy.”
