Being Welsh

We 'Cymro' - the people, have little to celebrate. We're a small nation overrun in mediaeval times by our larger and more powerful neighbour, but never quite subdued.

Okay, all that is now in the mists of time although there are living Welshmen and women who recall the continued subjugation by wealthy landowners or the Iron Masters, or even Winston Churchill's suppression of riots by armed troops.

Because we're a small nation about 3 million souls,we tend to get beaten by larger ones at sport, although there have been times when we have had good teams and times. And there have been notable singers and actors and other individuals who've made good in the world at large. However, we don't make a song and dance about our culture as much as say, our celtic cousins, the Irish do. You won't find Welsh themed pubs or New Yorkers celebrating St David's day with parades.

However, something which is very close to Welsh hearts is success on the rugby field, don't ask me why, but there are parallels in mining communities throughout Britain, in the midlands and Yorkshire, where the game is also strong.

Wales have quite a chequered history in rugby, being either brilliant or rubbish, sadly more the latter. However, today they were starting to show how brilliant they can be, with a third win in the Six Nations Competition, a competition played by the European rugby nations, ie, England, Scotland, Ireland, France, Italy and of course Wales.

We are the only side with a hundred percent record and hopes are beginning to rise of a repeat of the 2005 Grand Slam. It would be wonderful if we made it, a thought I'm sure will be shared by my countrywomen writers on this site.

It might not be very feminine to support a violent contact sport, but it flows in our veins. It's part of being Welsh and I thought I would share it with you.

Cymru am byth.

Angharad.