Athlone mourns couple killed by terrorist in Tunisia
The funeral of a Westmeath couple shot dead in last week's Tunisian beach massacre has heard that their murders have left a community "shocked, stunned and devastated".
Laurence and Martina Hayes were holidaying in the resort of Sousse when they were among 38 people killed by a gunman with ties to so-called Islamic State.
The couple are survived by their daughter Sinead, who turns 31 today.
Hundreds of mourners have gathered at the Church of Saints Peter and Paul for the Mass - including aides de camp for the President and Taoiseach; Minister Paschal Donohoe and the Imam of the Islamic Cultural Centre in Dublin.
Chief celebrant canon Liam Devine says the violence of "brainwashed" fanatics had invaded the town - which has now been united in grief.
"The violent deaths of Larry and Martina Hayes, on the last day of their holiday in Tunisia, has left the entire community, in Athlone and beyond, shocked, stunned and devastated," he said.
"It is unprecedented, unreal, almost impossible to come to terms with. Words fail."
Funeral of Larry and Martina Hayes in Athlone @tv3NewsIreland pic.twitter.com/FYQ7f4Z8NV
— AislingNiChoisdealbh (@AislingNiCTV) July 3, 2015
The couple were described as “soulmates” - both well known and much loved in the community.
Larry’s brother Michael welcomed all of the dignitaries. He said the Hayes family had been robbed of two wonderful people.
"They loved their new home in West Lodge," he said.
"The life they made together, and above all, their darling daughter Sinead, looking at them here side-by-side, as they always were, I think they would have turned and said to each other: 'In my life, I have loved you more'."
Large crowd gathered here at St.Peter & Paul's Athlone. Paying their final respects to Larry & Matina Hayes pic.twitter.com/xUjptazyH5
— Mick Dunne (@Mick_Dunne_) July 3, 2015
A guard of order formed by Lonnie’s colleagues in Bus Éireann and daughter Sinéad’s colleagues in the Order of Malta, greeted the coffins on their way out of the church.
The couple will now be buried in Coosan Cemetery on the outskirts of Athlone.
The funeral of third Irish victim Lorna Carty will take place in Robinstown, Co Meath tomorrow.
