RIP: Tipperary car crash victim and popular publican had just beaten cancer

The death has occurred of Pat Skehan, The Village, Holycross, Thurles, and formerly of Graigue, Moycarkey, Thurles, Co Tipperary.

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Pat was a well known and respected publican in Holycross village, where he ran the family pub, Skehan's Bar, for many years. He died on Sunday 8th February 2026.

Pat tragically lost his life in a single vehicle road collision in Holycross, Co Tipperary on Sunday afternoon. 

After the passing of his mother, Pat took over the running of the family pub Skehan’s Bar, a small village pub located in Holycross.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses following the fatal road traffic collision in Tipperary on Sunday. Shortly after 2:15pm, Gardaí and emergency services personnel responded to single vehicle collision involving a car on the R660 at Holycross.

The sole occupant of the vehicle was pronounced deceased at the scene.

A technical examination of the scene has been carried out by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators and the road has since fully reopened.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Thurles Garda Station on (0504) 25100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Pat had recently and successfully overcome a two-year battle with cancer.

Pat is predeceased by his parents Tom and Kitty, his nephew James Quinlan and his grand niece Grace Ryan.

Deeply regretted by his loving family, sisters Margaret Rattigan, Mary Ryan, Frances Tynan and Catherine Quinlan, brothers Michael, Tom, John and William, aunt Sr Philomena, brothers in law MB, Thomas, Seamus and Dan, sisters in law Anne, Kay and Philly, nephews, nieces, grand nephews, grand nieces, cousins, neighbours and his many friends.

Speaking to the Tipperary Star Independent TD Michael Lowry said, “Pat was well known locally. He was a local publican and a very reserved man with a quiet disposition. He had successfully fought cancer over the last two years so it is particularly tragic that he should die in these circumstances.”

Many messages of condolence have also been shared. One message read, “Rest in peace Pat, our friend. You will be sadly missed by many. We will cherish our memories together.”

Another said, “Sincere condolences to the Skehan family on Pat’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time. May he rest in peace.”

A further message expressed deepest sympathy to William and all the Skehan family on the sad passing of Pat.

Pat will be reposing in Hugh Ryan’s Funeral Home, Slievenamon Road, Thurles, on Thursday 12th February from 5pm to 7pm.

Arriving at Holycross Abbey on Friday 13th February at 11am for Requiem Mass at 11.30am, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.

May he rest in peace.

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