Kind, caring Lorna dedicated her life to helping others

A kind and caring woman, Lorna Carty has been described as a beautiful and genuine person who never stopped smiling.

Christened Lorna Harlin, the bubbly 50-year-old went to St Joseph’s Mercy Secondary School in Navan, Co Meath and met husband Declan when they couple were still in their teens.

Originally from Kilmessan, Lorna later moved to Robinstown, where she lived with Declan, a dairy farmer, for more than 30 years.

Lorna was a loving mother to two children — Simon, 21, a science student at University College Dublin, who is on the Meath senior Gaelic football panel, and Hazel, 18, who has just completed her Leaving Certificate.

Simon was at home when news of their mother’s death emerged. Lorna was gunned down on a beach in Tunisia, just hours before she and her husband were due to fly home.

Simon has travelled to Tunisia to be with his father. It is understood the trip was a present from a relative to help Declan recover from recent heart surgery.

Hazel was abroad when she heard the terrible news, on holiday in Turkey. It is understood the teenager has since returned home.

A nurse in a GP surgery in Navan, Lorna dedicated her life to helping those in need.

In 2008, she was working in a private medical practice and was among the staff that treated children seriously injured when a school bus crashed and overturned in Kentstown.

She also served as first aid officer for Dunderry GAA club, where her husband Declan is treasurer and Simon and Hazel both played.

Lorna is survived by her elderly parents Johnny and Amy Harlin, who neighbours say are “absolutely devastated” at the loss of their daughter.

Dunderry GAA chairman Liam O’Farrell said: “Everybody knew her. She was a physio to the senior team in 2012 and was a major fundraiser for the club.”

Bishop of Meath Michael Smith paid tribute to Lorna, the victim of a “senseless killing”.