Tunisia attack: Funeral takes place for Athlone couple

The funeral cortege of Larry and Martina Hayes makes its way to Coosan Cemetery following their funeral service in Athlone

Mourners at the funeral of two of the three Irish victims of a gun attack in Tunisia, have heard them described as "soulmates".

Laurence (Larry) and Martina Hayes from County Westmeath were among 38 people killed when a gunman attacked a beach resort in Sousse on Friday 26 June.

Their daughter and only child Sinead, 30, led mourners in to the Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Athlone.

Fr Liam Devine told mourners: that the couple "went everywhere together".

"God's tears mingle with Irish, Tunisian, British, German and Belgian tears and all those affected by last Friday's tragic deaths," Fr Devine said.

Martina and Laurence (Larry) Hayes were "soulmates", a priest told mourners at their funeral

The killings had stunned the entire nation, he added.

"The violence is now at our own door.

"Violence is not a solution to any problem. It was not the solution to Northern Ireland's problems and it is not the solution to today's world problems."

Mr and Mrs Hayes were in their 50s.

The other Irish victim was Lorna Carty, from County Meath. She will be buried on Saturday.

Ms Carty, who was in her 50s, was on holiday with her husband Declan when the attack happened.

Candles were lit at St Anne's Cathedral in Belfast in tribute to the victims of the Tunisia beach resort attack

Meanwhile, a one-minute silence was observed across the UK on Friday to remember all of the victims.

In Belfast, candles were lit and the names and photographs of those killed were displayed inside St Anne's Cathedral, as prayers were said to coincide with the silence at midday.

The start of the day's Tall Ships events in the city was postponed until 12:15 BST so people could observe the silence.

Eight suspects remain in custody on suspicion of being directly linked to the attack. Four others who were held have been released.