Today, we bid farewell to a true legend of Welsh rugby. Glanmor Griffiths, the man behind the iconic Principality Stadium, was laid to rest in a moving ceremony at Llandaff Cathedral. Known affectionately as ‘Glanmor’, he dedicated his life to the sport and his legacy will forever be intertwined with the stadium he fought so hard to build.
Glanmor, who passed away at the age of 83 in September, was not only a rugby giant but also a devoted family man. He leaves behind his loving wife, four children, 11 grandchildren, and a great granddaughter. As the funeral cortege made its way past the stadium, his family had the opportunity to say their final goodbyes to the man who made it all possible.
The funeral service at Llandaff Cathedral was attended by numerous figures from the world of Welsh rugby. The Ogmore Valley Male Voice Choir filled the air with hymns, and heartfelt readings were shared, including one delivered by Reverend Gareth Powell, who had been by Glanmor’s side in his final days. The ceremony was deeply personal, with a touching slideshow of photos and memories that showcased Glanmor’s determined and sometimes single-minded character.
It was evident that Glanmor and the Millennium Stadium were inseparable. His tireless efforts to bring the stadium to life and the immense pressure he faced to deliver it forged an unbreakable bond between the two. However, amidst the stories of his professional achievements, Glanmor’s daughter Judith fondly remembered him as a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. She shared that despite the demands of his work, Glanmor never let it interfere with his family life. In fact, he even reassured the crowd at her wedding in 1999 that the stadium would be completed on time.
Rob Cole, the former press officer and media consultant for the Welsh Rugby Union, summed up Glanmor’s impact on Welsh rugby in a heartfelt eulogy. He credited Glanmor’s bold boardroom manoeuvres for the four Grand Slams, two World Cup semi-finals, and the brief period when Wales held the number one ranking in the world. Cole emphasized that Glanmor was not just a sports administrator who knew the price of everything, but someone who understood the true value the Millennium Stadium would bring to Welsh rugby and the nation as a whole.
Glanmor’s coffin, adorned with the Welsh flag and clusters of green and white foliage, left the cathedral to the iconic sounds of Frank Sinatra’s ‘My Way.’ It was a fitting tribute to a man who truly lived life on his own terms.
Today, as we reflect on Glanmor’s remarkable journey, we can’t help but feel grateful for his contributions to Welsh rugby. He achieved the seemingly impossible and became a symbol of ‘Cool Cymru’ at the turn of the millennium. Glanmor Griffiths will forever hold a special place in the hearts of Welsh rugby fans and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.