Tributes paid to Roscommon man who died in tragic accident near his home

Boyle Municipal District councillors today paid tributes at their monthly meeting (Friday) to Pat McCrann, who died in a tragic accident on his farm near Frenchpark on Thursday evening.

A number of councillors personally knew the 50-year-old businessman who ran a very successful tyre business in Portahard, Frenchpark.

Leading the tributes at today’s Boyle Municipal meeting, Fine Gael councillor Liam Callaghan said there was widespread grief and shock at the sad news that Mr Crann had passed away following the accident.

“Pat was a very hardworking and successful businessman, dedicated to his job and very loyal to his customers and the local community. His family are highly regarded and respected in the Frenchpark/Sheepwalk area.

“Indeed I heard a story today where a lorry driver had a problem in Spain and when he rang Pat, he got somebody out there to look after him as well. No job was too big or too small for him,” said Cllr Callaghan.

The councillor continued: “He had the same respect for a man who came in with a wheel for a wheelbarrow as a man with a forty foot truck. He treated everyone the same. I knew Pat personally and the family very well. I extend my sympathies to his father and mother and all of his family."

Independent councillor Michéal Frain, who also knew the man’s family, described Mr McCrann’s death as a terrible tragedy for the whole area.

“Pat was a well respected person from a well-known family. It’s a terrible incident and a tragic day for the area, for the region and all the connections that family has around the region.

"He was a good entrepreneur and successful businessman, who was always very obliging and never left anybody stuck,” said Cllr Frain.

Fianna Fáil councillor Seán Moylan, who was previously involved in the haulage business, said he and his family would have dealt with Mr Crann through his tyre business for many years.

“Pat was an extremely hard worker and extremely helpful person who would never see anyone stuck if you were broke down. He was a really, decent, pleasant man,” said Cllr Moylan. The councillor recalled a time when Mr McCrann came to his assistance one night when his vehicle was broken down outside Birr in Offaly.

“Pat will be sadly missed not only by his family and friends and people around the location, but the people in his business,” he said.

Councillors Valerie Byrne IND), Tom Crosby (IND) and Leah Cull (SF) also extended their condolences to the McCrann family.

Mr McCrann will be sadly missed and remembered with love by his heartbroken family, his parents Pat and Ann, brothers Brian, Kevin and Eamon, sister-in-law Joan, Eamon’s partner Sinead, niece Liona, nephew Ronan, uncles, aunts, cousins, extended family, neighbours and many friends. 

Funeral details will be announced later.