Born on this day 1988 in Gorseinon

Leigh Halfpenny - Wales and Lions rugby international.

Halfpenny made his debut for Wales aged 19 and has since become a regular member of the side, as well as first choice goal kicker.  He was awarded Player of the Tournament in the 2013 Six Nations Championship.

He had to withdraw from the 2009 British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa due to injury, but on the 2013 tour to Australia, he was player of the series, playing in all three tests and breaking the points scoring record for the Lions. 

Born on this day 1822 at Tanrhiwfelen, a house just outside Aberystwyth. 

Ieuan Gwyllt,  the bardic name of musician and minister John Roberts, who is perhaps best remembered for his Welsh translation of the hymn "Gwahoddiad" 

His bardic name is derived from the nomme de plume he used whilst writing poetry as a boy, 'Ieuan Gwyllt Gelltydd Melindwr' (John of the Wild Woods near the Mill Tower).

Roberts's "Llyfr Tonau Cynulleidfaol" was the first book of Welsh Hymn tunes.  He also founded in 1859 the Welsh hymn-singing festivals and as such was much in demand as a conductor and as an adjudicator in eisteddfodau.  In 1861, he was ordained a Calvinistic Methodist minister and was a gifted preacher.

Born on this day 1967 in Blackwood. 

Richey Edwards -  lyricist and rhythm guitarist of the Manic Street Preachers, best known for his politicized songwriting and mysterious disappearance, which have gained him cult status.

Edwards disappeared on 1st February 1995 and was officially presumed dead on 23rd November 2008 and it is widely believed that he committed suicide, by jumping off the Severn Bridge.

On 22nd December 1844  John Jones (Shoni Sguborfawr) and David Davies (Dai'r Cantwr) were convicted for their part in the Rebecca Riots, both men were sentenced to be transported to Van Diemen's Land (modern-day Tasmania).

The Rebecca Riots were a series of protests that  took place between 1839 and 1843 in South and Mid Wales, undertaken by local farmers and agricultural workers, who took direct action against toll gates in response to perceived unfair taxes and tolls.   The general public supported the riots and very few rioters were arrested and convicted.  However, some of those taking part used the guise of 'Rebecca'  for their own gain, to exact revenge and extort money.  Two such men were Shoni Sguborfawr (Johnny Big Barn) and Dai'r Cantwr ( David the singer)  

Shoni (John Jones) was described as "a half-witted and inebriate ruffian" from Penderyn, near Merthyr had made a name for himself as a hard man in the toughest area of Merthyr.  He had shot a man in Pontyberem and had a police record for being drunk and disorderly and brawling in the streets.  

Dai'r Cantwr (David Davies) was a farm labourer from Llancarfan, near Cowbridge who was also well known to the police.,

During the riots, both men were paid to take a prominent role in attacking the toll-gates, but after the riots ended they began using extortion to gain money from several farmers, threatening to reveal them as Rebecca Rioters.  Eventually, people turned against them and they were reported to the police, warrants were issued for their arrest and they were placed in custody in Carmarthen Goal.  

On 22 December 1843, they were sentenced to transportation to Van Dieman's Land.  Dai Cantwr was sentenced to 20 years and 'Shoni' for life.  In Van Dieman's Land, they were unable to stay out of trouble and continued to be anti-social and aggressive, both men being convicted for stealing and being drunk and disorderly.  However, both men were eventually awarded tickets of leave and returned to Wales.