News

Tributes to Paul O’Dwyer who died trying to save two other paddleboarders

Published

4 years ago

November 1, 2021

MOVING tributes have been paid to one of three paddleboarders who died after a group of nine got into difficulty in the Cleddau.

Paul O’Dwyer was described as “the life and soul of the party” who devoted much of his time to charities.

Details have emerged about the ex-soldier, and dad, who died trying to save the lives of two other paddleboarders in Haverfordwest on Saturday morning (Oct 30).

The 42-year-old was one of the tragic victims after fierce downpours left the River Cleddau suddenly swollen and dangerous, sweeping water sports enthusiasts away with the current.

Mr O’Dwyer, from Salty Dog Co, a surf-style clothing and paddleboarding company based in Port Talbot, has been named as one of the three who died. The company tweeted a message saying “goodbye to our salty dog Paul” on Saturday evening.

Police remove a bodyboard from the scene (Image Marin Cavaney)

Two women were also pronounced dead at the scene, and another woman remains in a critical condition in the ICU of Withybush Hospital.

Another five people were rescued uninjured after a multi-agency search operation was launched, police confirmed on Sunday.

The group of nine adults from South Wales had travelled to Haverfordwest for a paddle-boarding excursion.

One of the paddleboarders who was on the trip, Vickie McKinven from Milford Haven, said Mr O’Dwyer had died attempting to rescue two fellow paddleboarders who had got into difficulty near the weir.

Ms McKinven said: “Paul did lose his life attempting to save two of the girls also in distress due to an unexpected downpour.

“Absolutely heart-breaking, was all good friends.

“And did so much to raise money for charities.”

Air ambulances landed on Picton Playingfields (Image: Martin Cavaney)

Mr O’Dwyer was an ex-soldier and had served with The Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers 108 Welsh Squadron militia.

After leaving the military he became one of the founders of charity SA1UTE, which supports veterans in the South Wales area.

Police were scrambled after reports of the group “in distress” in the water near the town centre just after 9am.
Tributes have poured in for the ex-soldier from Port Talbot, who was named as of the three paddleboarders who died.

Mr O’Dwyer, a former Royal Engineer, described himself as a “dedicated daddy” and was a devoted charity fundraiser.
In 2017, he co-founded up the Armed Forces charity SA1UTE to help to help struggling former servicemen and women.

Mr O’Dwyer was involved with the Salty Dog Co surf shop at Aberavon Beach close to his home in Port Talbot.

In a Twitter post, Salty Dog Co, wrote: “It is with heavy heart that we say goodbye to our salty dog Paul.

“A lovely human being taken too soon.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with your friends and family. You will be missed greatly.”

A friend of Mr O’Dwyer’s posted on Facebook: “He was a fantastic campaigner for charity and someone with a zest for life.

Neath Port Talbot councillor Matthew Crowley knew Mr O’Dwyer for most of his life, and said he had always been a sports lover, and was the “life and soul of the party, from a real young age”.

“He immersed himself into surfing, paddleboarding, skiing, anything to do with water.

“He comes from a great family background. A real good moral compass.”

Mr Crowley is also the president of Aberavon Green Stars rugby club, which Mr O’Dwyer, from Port Talbot, also joined.

“He became a formidable player. He played for eight or 10 seasons at a pretty good level. He was a great player and embraced the club.”

He added: “Paul immersed so much of his time and energy into charities. Whenever there was a charity event Paul would be the first one in fancy dress, he’d be the first one with a rah-rah skirt on.

“He loved all that… helping people and raising a few pounds for good, worthwhile causes in the community.”

JOEL IS A HERO

Local Natasha Williams confirmed on social media that it was her son, Joel, who had selflessly rescued one of those in trouble on the Cleddau

She said: “My son who is only 20 was the member of public who jumped in and pulled a young lady out and did CPR until the services arrived, our heart goes out to the people who lost their lives and all involved.

Witness Pauline Turner confirmed this by replying: ” I spoke to your son by the bridge near the weir just as the emergency services had take over.

“He was very brave to have entered the water as the river was running very fast.

“Such a hero in my eyes.

The group were engaged in Stand up Paddle boarding or ‘SUP’ for short. It is one of the fastest growing water sports in the world.

Using a very large, stable board (like a surfboard) and a single blade paddle you can navigate your way along coastlines, rivers, and lakes. Experienced riders can also surf the waves on them. You can paddle on your knees or on your feet if you have the balance. It’s a great way to experience the outdoors and an enjoyable means of getting some good exercise.

COUNCIL LEADER’S TRIBUTE

Pembrokeshire County Council Leader, Cllr David Simpson, said: “We are all by now aware of the incident that happened on Saturday on the River Cleddau alongside County Hall in Haverfordwest.

“The outcome on Saturday was tragic and I’m sure like me our thoughts go out to all those involved and our deepest sympathy goes out to the families and friends of those who sadly have lost their lives.

“This is an ongoing investigation led by the police so I kindly request that we allow the police time to undertake their review.

“I want to pass on my sincere gratitude to all those involved in dealing with this incident.”

LOCAL MP’S COMMENT

Stephen Crabb, Conservative MP for Preseli Pembrokeshire, said: “Horrific incident in Haverfordwest this afternoon. Thoughts with all involved and the emergency services responding.”

Liz Saville Roberts, leader of Plaid Cymru in Westminster, said the news was “distressing”, adding: “God speed the emergency services and support the families.”

Town councillor Thomas Tudor said he had been told the incident followed an “out of the blue downpour”.

“It would appear that, unfortunately, the paddleboarders were caught up in that downpour which led to this tragedy,” he said.

VICKIE DROPPED OUT

Cleaning business owner Vickie Mckinven, from Hubberston, Milford Haven, said the incident was “absolutely heart-breaking” and she was “good friends” with the group, which “did so much to raise money for charities”.

She said she had been in Tenby with the other 9 paddleboarders on Friday and was all set to go when “last minute nerves” about the weather conditions had led her to change her mind at the last minute.

Ms Mckinven, who was not present in Haverfordwest on Saturday morning, says she knew the group well and assisted the police with their inquiries on the day as to who had taken to the water.

*Vickie Mckinven, from Hubberston, Milford Haven, said the incident was “absolutely heart-breaking*

Speaking to The Herald, she said that she was “doing okay but extremely shaken up”.

Later speaking to the Press Association, Ms Mckinven said: “Paul did lose his life attempting to save two of the girls also in distress due to an unexpected downpour.”

A spokesperson for Haverfordwest County said: “Everybody at the club were devastated to learn of the incident on the River Cleddau over the weekend, right in the heart of town, in which three people tragically lost their lives, leaving another in critical condition in hospital.

“The club would like to send its sincere condolences to the friends and family of those tragically lost, and would like to offer whatever support it can to those affected.”

News

Paris in February made easy with special direct Air France flights from Cardiff

Published

6 hours ago

February 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

TRAVELLING to Paris has never been simpler for Welsh holidaymakers, with Air France launching a series of special direct weekend services from Cardiff Airport to the French capital this month.

The limited-period flights offer a convenient, non-stop journey of under two hours to Paris, giving passengers more time to enjoy the city’s culture, cuisine and famous landmarks without the hassle of connections or long road transfers to other UK airports.

Timed perfectly for winter city breaks and Valentine’s getaways, the services run between February 13 and February 16, making them ideal for long weekends.

February is widely considered one of the best times to visit the French capital, with fewer crowds and a relaxed, romantic atmosphere. Visitors can explore world-famous attractions including the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe and Notre-Dame Cathedral, browse galleries at the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay, or simply enjoy cafés, bistros and Michelin-starred dining across the city.

With Valentine’s Day falling during the operating period, the flights offer couples an easy escape for scenic walks along the Seine, memorable meals and classic Parisian experiences.

Jon Bridge, CEO of Cardiff Airport, said: “We’re delighted to offer direct flights to such a vibrant city for Valentine’s weekend. Cardiff Airport is expanding its reach, giving customers an easy, friendly travel experience and fantastic options. We’ve listened to passenger demand and are excited to make this opportunity possible, with more to come from Cardiff.”

Seats are available now via airfrance.co.uk and through travel agents. As availability is limited, early booking is recommended.

Flight schedule

Cardiff (CWL) to Paris (CDG)

• Feb 13 – AF4149 – 6:20pm → 8:50pm
• Feb 14 – AF4149 – 3:20pm → 5:50pm
• Feb 15 – AF4149 – 9:20am → 11:50am
• Feb 15 – AF4151 – 9:00pm → 11:30pm
• Feb 16 – AF4149 – 9:20am → 11:50am
• Feb 16 – AF4151 – 5:50pm → 8:20pm

Paris (CDG) to Cardiff (CWL)

• Feb 13 – AF4148 – 5:00pm → 5:30pm
• Feb 14 – AF4148 – 2:00pm → 2:30pm
• Feb 15 – AF4148 – 8:00am → 8:30am
• Feb 15 – AF4150 – 7:40pm → 8:10pm
• Feb 16 – AF4148 – 8:00am → 8:30am
• Feb 16 – AF4150 – 4:30pm → 5:00pm

Education

Language commissioner launches probe into school closure impact on Welsh

Published

6 hours ago

February 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE WELSH Language Commissioner has launched a formal investigation into claims that the proposed closure of a rural Carmarthenshire primary school did not properly assess the impact on the Welsh language.

Campaign group Cymdeithas yr Iaith confirmed this week that the Welsh Language Commissioner will examine whether Carmarthenshire County Council complied with its legal duties when producing a language impact assessment linked to plans to close Ysgol Llansteffan.

The council issued a statutory notice last year proposing to shut the village school at the end of the summer term as part of wider education reorganisation. A final decision had been expected this spring.

However, the investigation now creates fresh uncertainty over the timetable.

Complaint over ‘insufficient assessment’

Cymdeithas yr Iaith says it submitted a formal complaint arguing that the council failed to produce a sufficiently detailed assessment of how the closure could affect Welsh-medium education and the wider Welsh-speaking community.

The group claims the authority selectively used data to support closure rather than examining all available evidence objectively.

Two key concerns were raised.

Firstly, campaigners argue there may not be enough places in neighbouring Welsh-medium schools to accommodate pupils from Llansteffan and nearby housing developments, potentially forcing some families into English-medium provision.

Secondly, they say the assessment did not meaningfully consider the school’s role as a community hub or explore ways the site could generate income and support local Welsh-language activities.

On behalf of local members, Ffred Ffransis said: “There will not be places for all the Llansteffan children, nor for the children of the new housing estates, in other Welsh-medium schools in the area.

“The most cost-effective way of providing sufficient places locally in Welsh-medium education is by keeping open Ysgol Llansteffan and making better use of the buildings, including environmental education and community use.”

Formal investigation

In a letter to the group, the commissioner confirmed an investigation will be held under Section 71 of the Welsh Language Measure to determine whether the council complied with Welsh language standards.

The probe could take up to three months.

Campaigners believe this may delay implementation of the closure and could require the council to revisit its assessment and potentially carry out a fresh statutory consultation.

Ffransis said: “Even if the council now decided to make a full and meaningful assessment, there would likely have to be a new consultation. The original decision may have been taken on a faulty basis.”

He added that similar concerns had been raised about language impact assessments connected to other proposed school closures in the county.

Council position

The council has previously said that school reorganisation proposals are driven by falling pupil numbers, financial pressures and the need to ensure sustainable, high-quality education.

Authorities across Wales have faced difficult decisions in recent years as rural rolls decline and building maintenance costs rise.

It is expected the council will respond formally to the commissioner’s investigation in due course.

What happens next

If the commissioner finds that language standards were not properly followed, enforcement steps could be taken and the process delayed or revisited.

For families in Llansteffan, the outcome may determine whether their local Welsh-medium school remains open beyond the summer term.

The Herald has contacted Carmarthenshire County Council for comment.

Further updates will follow as the investigation progresses.

Business

First Minister criticised after ‘Netflix’ comment on struggling high streets

Published

7 hours ago

February 4, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Government announces 15% support package but campaigners say costs still crushing hospitality

PUBS, cafés and restaurants across Wales will receive extra business rates relief — but ministers are facing criticism after comments suggesting people staying home watching Netflix are partly to blame for struggling high streets.

The Welsh Government has announced a 15% business rates discount for around 4,400 hospitality businesses in 2026-27, backed by up to £8 million in funding.

Announcing the package, Welsh Government Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford said: “Pubs, restaurants, cafés, bars, and live music venues are at the heart of communities across Wales. We know they are facing real pressures, from rising costs to changing consumer habits.

“This additional support will help around 4,400 businesses as they adapt to these challenges.”

The announcement came hours after Eluned Morgan suggested in Senedd discussions that changing lifestyles — including more time spent at home on streaming services — were contributing to falling footfall in town centres.

The remarks prompted political backlash.

Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, Jane Dodds, said: “People are not willingly choosing Netflix over the high street. They are being forced indoors because prices keep rising and wages are not.

“Blaming people for staying at home is an insult to business owners who are working longer hours just to survive.”

Industry groups say the problem runs deeper than consumer behaviour.

The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) welcomed the discount but warned it would not prevent closures.

Chris Charters, CAMRA Wales director, said: “15% off for a year is only the start. It won’t fix the unfair business rates system our pubs are being crushed by.

“Welsh publicans need a permanent solution, or doors will continue to close.”

Across Pembrokeshire, traders have repeatedly told The Herald that rising energy bills, wage pressures and rates — rather than a lack of willingness to go out — are keeping customers away.

Several town centres have seen growing numbers of empty units over the past year, with independent shops and hospitality venues reporting reduced footfall outside the main tourist season.

While ministers say the relief balances support with tight public finances, business groups are calling for wider and longer-term reform.

Further debate on rates changes is expected later this year.