Gerry Adams plants Freedom Tree in Mayo to honour farmer who donated land to community
The event was attended by Gerry Adams, Mayo TD Rose Conway-Walsh, local councillor Gerry Murray, Mr Neary's friends and members of the wider community.
A well-known figure in East Mayo Mr Neary, aged 82, made headlines in 2015 when he won an appeal to be buried on his own land, making him the third person in Ireland to be granted this permission. In 2022 he donated his 40-acre farm to Mayo County Council and the Western Forestry Co-op, on the condition that the land would never be sold or redeveloped. It has since been turned into a Woodland Park for the community.
The site has been planted with 39,000 trees that are native to Ireland, including oak, rowan and birch. The oak tree planted during Sunday's ceremony symbolises strength, truth, courage and wisdom, values that Mr Neary holds dear as a lifelong Irish republican.
Speaking to the Irish Independent at the ceremony, Mr Adams said he was 'delighted to come down and plant this Crann Na Saoirse and to look to the future.'
'The oak is part of our culture, part of our history but the notion of planting this today and that it will grow tall in a new united Ireland, I think it's very assertive and hopeful. It's a good way to both acknowledge Martin's work but also it's our stake in the future.'
He continued, 'I read Martin Neary's book and I would recommend it to anyone who wants an insight into the plight of people in Mayo and West of the Shannon, how he remained faithful to the land, his community, to his family and his great act of generosity of bequeathing his 40 acres to this community and it's now a Woodland for all of us to enjoy.'
Along with the oak tree, a limestone plaque was unveiled to commemorate the day. The plaque was made by Dominic Fannon from Aghamore, Mayo.
Speaking after the ceremony Mr Neary joked that while his hearing isn't the best, he didn't struggle to hear to Mr Adams' speech,
'I heard what Gerry Adams had to say, I was very impressed. I never thought he would come to this village but by God he did and I think he enjoyed it. It was very nice.'
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Referring to Mr Neary as Mo Chara, Mr Adams paid tribute to the Mayo man's deep connection to the land,
'Every plot of land, every stone wall, every ruin sparks a memory for Martin of those who once lived here. In Martin's own words he tells a story of his life in East Mayo, of his love for this land, of his county, his community, his culture and of our country. He is rooted in the land, in your community and his community.'
Deputy Conway-Walsh spoke highly of Mr Neary when she addressed the 50-strong crowd,
'Today is about Martin. He is one of the most unassuming, kind people that I have ever met. His generosity is beyond anything a lot of us could imagine. I am thrilled to be here today and that his wish of having Gerry Adams here to plant the tree has been granted. It's a very joyful day for us here in Mayo.'
Cllr Murray has worked with Mr Neary since the start of his objective to be buried on his own land. He gave the crowd an insight into why Mr Neary chose to donate his land to the council,
'His second objective was to gift this 40 acres of land and his home to the people of the communities of Charlestown and Swinford. After looking at various configurations we decided that the local authority was the best structure to hold and entrust [the land] for the people of the county for generations to come.'
'We made the conclusion that local government will always be with us in some shape or form. I want specifically to thank Mayo County Council for promoting and driving this project and making a huge investment in it. Another major investment is being made by the council to upgrade this particular Woodland Park.'
The Crann Na Saoirse ceremony marked a heartfelt tribute to Mr Neary and his vision to return his land to the people. His donation ensures that the land he worked on and looked after all his life will benefit the community as a Woodland Park for years to come. The oak tree stands as a living tribute to Mr Neary's enduring love for his land and community.
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