THE funerals of the Irish victims of the Tunisia shooting will begin today – almost a week after they tragically lost their lives.
A gunman opened fire on a beach in Sousse, Tunisia, last Friday (June 26) killing 38 people, most of whom were tourists.
Up to 30 are thought to be British, while Ireland’s victims were named as Co. Meath nurse Lorna Carty and Athlone couple Larry and Martina Hayes.
Larry and Martina’s only child, 30-year-old daughter Sinéad, will be the chief mourner at her parents’ funeral.
The pair will also be mourned by their extended families, as well as colleagues, neighbours, relatives and many friends who are due to attend the service in Athlone.
Martina and Larry HayesLarry and Martina will be removed to the Church of S.S. Peter and Paul’s tonight, ahead of their joint funeral, which will be held at 11am tomorrow.
The couple will then be buried together in Coosan cemetery.
Meanwhile, Lorna Carty’s family will lay her to rest at the weekend.
Her husband Derek, who was with her on holiday in Tunisia when she died, will lead the mourners, along with their children Simon and Hazel.
Co. Meath nurse Lorna CartyThe family will be joined in their grief by Lorna’s extended family and many friends.
Her wake will take place in the family home in Robinstown, Co. Meath tomorrow (July 3), before removal to the Church of the Assumption in Robinstown later that day.
Lorna will be laid to rest on Saturday morning after a 12noon funeral mass.
Meanwhile, Warwickshire GAA star Joel Richards was repatriated to Britain yesterday, along with his grandfather and uncle Patrick and Adrian Evans, who were also killed in the shooting.
Tragic Joel Richards, 19, was a talented GAA player