Funeral of Athlone victims in Tunisia attack takes place today
The funeral of an Athlone couple shot dead in a terror attack on a Tunisian beach will take place this morning.
Hundreds of people are expected to gather at the Church of Saint Peter and Paul in the town to pay their respects to Larry and Martina Hayes.
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Larry, known by his friends and family as Lonnie, and his wife Martina Hayes, were two of the victims of last Friday's gun attack on a beach in Sousse which claimed the lives of 38 tourists and locals in Tunisia.
The couple, who were married for over 30 years, were waiting for a bus to the airport when they were shot dead along with 36 others last Friday. They are survived by their daughter, Sinead.
Father Liam Devine, who will preside over the funeral services, said the support from people in the town has been overwhelming.
"One of Larry's brothers said to me people are lost for words, but at least they're present, at least they're here.
"It's something unprecedented - it's unbelievable, really. It's unreal what has happened."
More than 2,000 people turned out along the Strand in Athlone as they reposed in a funeral home, with the large crowds forcing the removal mass to be delayed by an hour.
The funeral will take place at 11 at the Church of St. Peter and Paul's, followed by burial at Coosan Cemetery.
