Tributes at funeral of trapped miner

RELATIVES of a man killed in a mining disaster today paid tribute to an “adored partner and devoted father” during an emotional funeral service yesterday.

Garry Jenkins, from Rhiwfawr near Cwmtwrch, was one of four men who died when water engulfed the Gleision Colliery in Cilybebyll, Pontardawe, on 15 September.

More than 400 mourners packed into Beulah Chapel, Lower Cwmtwrch, for the service. As well as the hundreds of friends, family and well wishers, MP Peter Hain, Welsh actor Steven Meo and former Wales rugby coach Clive Rowlands attended the funeral.

The gold-handled coffin, adorned with white flowers and wreaths that spelled Dad and Brother, was carried into the chapel by six pallbearers as music played.

Tributes were paid to the 39-year-old, who has been described by his family as an “adored partner” and “devoted father”.

Reverend Ryan Thomas conducted the service, which lasted almost an hour. Mourners waited quietly outside, unable to all fit into the chapel.

A few brief words written by the family were printed on the order of service thanking those that had attended and for “every kindness” extended to them during their “sad loss”.

In a statement, the Jenkins family said: “We wish to say that Garry was special in every way. He was always happy, hard-working and never without a smile on his face. He would help anybody he could in any way.

“He will be missed so much as an adored partner, most special son, best brother in the world, a devoted father, grandson, uncle, great uncle, nephew and best friend.”

The Gleision tragedy occurred when flood water engulfed the pit’s shaft and a retaining wall holding back a body of water underground failed.

Despite a frantic search and rescue operation, the bodies of Mr Jenkins, Charles Breslin, 62, Philip Hill, 44, and David Powell, 50, were recovered the following day.

An investigation into the disaster is continuing.