Martin Nyland -"nature's gentleman" The unexpected death on Christmas Day of Martin Nyland of Sweetwell had left East Mayo in particular and the entire county bereft of one of "Nature's gentlemen". Martin was a devout Catholic, sincere friend, a community activist in its truest and most altruistic sense. A man of few spoken words he held strong opinions through never sought to force them on nay other person. Martin was a man of the pen. His literary prowess in "The Western People" and other journals was renowned. He followed the Shakespearean advice "...to thine own self be true, for it much follow as they day the night, thou canst not be false to nay man...". As a young man Martin Nyland was secretary to the Young Farmer's Association in Mayo. He was involved throughout his 82 years in every possible community activity in the greater Swinford area. Martin was the chairman secretary and an officer of many organisations during his life time including Swinford Community Council, Fine Gael (at every level within the party organisation), the Red Cross, Civil Defence, the Blood Transfusion group, the Community games, the Pioneer Association, friends of Aras Attracta, Swinford Agricultural Show, Save the West Campaign, Rural Development groups, G.A.A football, handball (he was responsible for building the alley in Clongulaune), and many others too numerous to mention here. However it was as secretary to many organisations that Martin was truly renowned. That position of secretary is the one that most people shy away from. Never Martin to do so! Unselfish, uncaring of the hard and difficult time consuming work involved in such position' he gave generously of his time and self. A small farmer with a big heart Martin Nyland was for many years ago a regular sight on the Foxford to Swinford road on his Honda 50 motorcycle. When time caught up with, Martin walked three miles to Swinford unless, as invariably happened, a neighbour or friend passed happened to pass by and give him a life in a car. He never thumbed a lift but always got one. Martin's appreciation of any kindness however small was always palpable. There are many car owners who will miss the unique and good humoured companionship of Martin on the short journeys from his home in Sweetwell to Swinford and vice versa. Martin Nyland was and is a man of history. He climbed Croagh Patrick 52 times, often in his bare feet. He had intended to so "The Reek" again. Not content to leave his pilgrimage days behind him, on Sundays he regularly took the bus from Swinford to Dublin and then the train or bus to Bray, County Wicklow. All for a day's outing to meet people and experience life in Ireland. A true Irishman Martin was a great 'Fine Gaelar". A true follower of the genuine Irish Republican tradition of Michael Collins and Arthur Griffith. He understood that for Ireland' s national and spiritual existence two things were necessary, namely security and freedom. He saw and lived through the slow, steady, economic and educational development of Ireland particularity his beloved County Mayo and was to the forefront of the establishment of Swinford livestock mart in the 1970's. He was never one to place individual responsibility upon anybody else. He took the responsibility himself and left the words he wrote, and those he spoke in his mild mannered, way help to create and carve the new Ireland, which he has now left unexpectedly, as a better place than it was 82 years ago. If ever the words of a song captured the unfailing and renowned unselfish spirit of Martin Nyland, it is: "...boys stick together, in all kinds of weather, don't show the white feather wherever you go, just be like a brother and love one another like the stout hearted men from the County Mayo". Swinford, and County Mayo have lost a friend, a man and a campaigner the like of whom we may never see again. Martin Nyland - rest in eternal peace in and with your just and well deserved unlimited happiness. Pat O'Connor B.C.L., Solicitor/Coroner Past President Law Society of Ireland Courtesy of Western People 3 January 2006 Tweet

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