Sioned Medi Howells from New Inn, near Pencader has been revealed as the 2021 Eisteddfod T Prose Prize Winner, and according to author and judge Caryl Lewis her work “left the reader wanting more”.
About to complete her final year studying a midwifery course at Swansea University, Sioned is being kept busy during her placement on the maternity ward at Singleton Hospital. It has been a very productive and successful year for Sioned having also won both the chair and crown competitions at the 2021 Carmarthenshire YFC Virtual Eisteddfod.
Sioned was named Eisteddfod T Prose Prize Winner at a special ceremony that was broadcast live from the Urdd’s Residential Centre in Llangrannog yesterday (Thursday, 3 June) with judge Caryl Lewis and the three finalists. Huw Griffiths from Efail Isaf, Rhondda Cynon Taf came in second place and Ciarán Eynon from Rhos on Sea, Conwy in third.
According to Caryl Lewis, more than 70 entries were received, ranging from short stories to monologues, letters and first chapters of novels. When declaring Sioned the winner of Eisteddfod T Prose Prize, and presenting her with a specially created award by sculptor Ann Catrin Evans, Caryl Lewis was full of praise for the winning work:
“The writing flows in such a way that the author disappears, and the reader is immediately taken to the heart of the story,” said Caryl Lewis. “It is a story about the lockdown period. A story that forces its characters to face a traumatic event from their past. The final sentence is electric and leaves the reader wanting more.”
The Eisteddfod T Prose Ceremony is sponsored by Cardiff University.
Results for all Eisteddfod T competitions so far can be found by visiting s4c.cymru/urdd
Eisteddfod T is held throughout this week, 31 May – 4 June. 12,000 competitors have competed in over 120 competitions. You can join in the fun, on TV, radio and online and there will be results and information on the s4c.wales/urdd website and on the Urdd’s social media with the hashtag #EisteddfodT.
