Bodies of three Irish tourists killed in Tunisia massacre arrive home
Laurence and Martina Hayes, from the town of Athlone in Co Westmeath, who died in the terror attack in Sousse, Tunisia (Irish Independent/PA)
Lorna Carty
/
THE bodies of three Irish tourists killed in the Tunisia terror attack have arrived home.
Funeral arrangements are being prepared for victims Lorna Carty from Robinstown, Co Meath and Athlone couple Martina and Laurence Hayes.
The three victims were flown home late last night and will be buried in their home towns.
Martina and Laurence Hayes, from Westlodge, Athlone, will repose at Flynn’s Funeral Home, The Strand, from 2pm today, before their removal to the Church of Saint Peter and Paul.
A Requiem Mass will be held at 11am tomorrow, followed by burial in Coosan Cemetery. The couple are survived by their only daughter, Sinead.
The family of Lorna Carty are still preparing arrangements for her funeral.
Meanwhile, two Irish tour operators have cancelled all flights to Tunisia in the wake of the terror attacks there.Sunway Holidays has suspended their weekly flight schedule to Monastir from tomorrow.
Lorna Carty
The company said weekly flights to Monastir have been suspended until the situation in Tunisia has been “clarified”. However, tomorrow’s return flight from Monastir to Dublin will go ahead.
Speaking to the Herald, Martin Skelly, president of the Irish Travel Agents Association, said tour operator Just Sunshine has also suspended services to the country from tomorrow.
“Sunway and Just Sunshine shared the aircraft. While those that travelled to Tunisia last weekend will be brought home, they won’t be bringing out any new holidaymakers from Ireland.
Security
“The companies want to see how the security situation develops, but it’s also a commercial decision,” Mr Skelly said.
“It seems more people have cancelled their holidays since the attack than have decided to travel. It’s hard to imagine the companies will reinstate the flights this summer.
“Consequently, there will be zero Irish holidaymakers travelling to the country this summer on direct services from Ireland,” he added.
Sunway customers who have booked a trip to Tunisia are being offered an alternative holiday or a full refund.
Related Content