Crowds pay respects to couple killed in Tunisia
The remains of Lonnie (Larry) and Martina Hayes of Westlodge estate in the Westmeath town lay in repose at a local funeral home for almost six hours.
Sympathisers arrived in huge numbers to show support for the couple’s only daughter, Sinead, and a large immediate family circle.
Despite unfavourable elements, with heavy rain showers throughout the afternoon, locals said the crowds were probably the largest in recent times at a funeral in the town.
Among those who waited in line to express sympathy were large numbers of townspeople, as well as civic and public representatives and work colleagues.
Mr Hayes was a Schools Transport Inspector with Bus Éireann.
The couple were among 38 victims — 30 from the UK — of a gun attack linked to Islamic State (IS) at the holiday resort of Sousse last Friday. The victims included Meath nurse Lorna Carty.
Mr and Mrs Hayes, who were both in their 50s, were reportedly waiting on the beach for their bus transfer to the airport to fly home when IS-trained gunman, Seifeddine Rezgui, 23, opened fire.
They are both survived by brothers and sisters.
The removal took place last evening to the Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Athlone and the funeral Mass will take place this morning, with burial afterwards in Coosan Cemetery.
Meanwhile, Ms Carty will be laid to rest tomorrow.
The Robinstown mum had travelled to the resort with her husband Declan after the couple had been given the trip as a present. Mr Carty, a dairy farmer who has lived in Robinstown all his life, had undergone heart surgery recently and the trip abroad was intended as a break to help him recover.
Ms Carty, who is survived by her son Simon, daughter Hazel, and her parents, will be laid to rest at Retaine Cemetery tomorrow following her funeral Mass at noon in the local Church of the Assumption.
Her remains will lie in repose at her home from 11am today with the removal taking place tomorrow.
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