 At a lecture at the 1880 National Eisteddfod in Caernarfon, Owen read a paper entitled "Intermediate Education in Ireland and Secondary Education in Wales" to members of the Cymmrodorion, where he highlighted the need of more intermediate schools.The following year Owen was knighted for his services in education, but died three months after, aged 77.The paper he read would eventually lead to the passing of the "Welsh Intermediate Education Act of 1889".