Laurence and Martina Hayes were holidaying in the resort of Sousse when they were among 38 people killed by an Islamic State gunman.
Hundreds of mourners have gathered at the Church of Saints Peter and Paul for the mass – including Aides de Camp for the President and Taoiseach, Minister Paschal Donohoe and the Imam of the Islamic Cultural Centre in Dublin.
The couple are survived by their daughter Sinead, who turns 31 today.
Chief celebrant Canon Liam Devine says the violence of 'brainwashed' fanatics had invaded the town, which has now been united in grief.
“The violent deaths of Larry and Martina Hayes, on the last day of their holiday in Tunisia, has left the entire community, in Athlone and beyond, shocked, stunned and devastated” he said.
“It is unprecedented, unreal, almost impossible to come to terms with”.
“Words fail”, he added.
