The husband of Irish woman Lorna Carty, who was killed in the Tunisia beach attack, has issued a statement of thanks to those who helped and supported him and his family.

In the statement to LMFM, Declan Carty has thanked a man called Kevin Hawkes - who he says put his arm around him and consoled him on the beach when he says he was at his lowest ebb.

He also thanked a Swiss woman and a British couple who took him under their wing.

He has also praised the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Irish Ambassador for Tunisia and Aer Lingus for being 'unbelievably kind in their efforts to get him home' - as well as the GAA for helping with Lorna's funeral.

Lorna, along with Westmeath couple Martina and Laurence Hayes, died in the beach shooting in the tourist resort of Sousse on June 26th.

Full statement:

"Declan Carty thanks all who supported him and his family following the tragic death of his wife Lorna.

We would like to thank everyone for their sympathy and support, which has been a tremendous comfort to us at this tragic time.

I would like to thank those who helped me while I was abroad. Kevin Hawkes, a man who served many years in the British Army for putting his arm around me and consoling me on the beach when I was at my lowest ebb, when I needed it most. I would like to thank a Swiss woman Jasmine as well as a British couple, Gary and Alison Hollinrake who both took me under their wing and supported me in my time of need too.

I would like to deeply and sincerely thank those involved in the repatriation process of Lorna. Aer Lingus were unbelievably kind in their efforts to get us home. On top of that, David Cooney is the Irish Ambassador for Tunisia and Caoimhe Ni Conchuir is the head of Consular Affairs in Tunisia, Moncef Mzabi and his stoic secretary Lateefa as well as back home from Thomas Bellew and Margaret Carton from the Department of Foreign Affairs. Together this team got through a mountain of work that led to Lorna and the Hayes’ being the first people to return home. Words alone cannot express my gratefulness for their work, the comfort they brought me at this time and their kind, honest and supportive nature, the ‘Irish’ way that has been ingrained in them. It is important for me that everyone remembers the names of David Cooney and Caoimhe Ni Conchuir because I will never forget these two people.

Back at home while we were still in Tunisia, many people helped and supported the Carty and Harlin family. I would like to thank Eimer Hannon Travel who arranged to get Simon out to Tunisia on Friday evening, the Gardai from Trim who provided the Garda escort to the Airport. Denis Coughlan, Kells for his speedy assistance. The local community in Kilmessan who supported the family and made endless cups of teas and coffee and fed everyone.

Sunway Holidays for the support they provided to Hazel and for arranging to get her home so quickly and for their support to Simon and I in Tunisia.

The Community of Dunderry, Robinstown and Kilbride pulled out all the stops to ensure everything was organised and fitting for Lorna coming home. I would particularly like to thank Dunderry GAA, Dunderry Ladies Circle, Robinstown Parents Association and all who helped in any way. Her very close lifelong friends Mary Brennan and Margaret Davis who cleaned, organised and helped feed everyone and ensured all was perfect for Lorna and indeed all of Lorna’s close friends who rallied around and helped us all.

All the neighbours, friends and people who called to the Harlin and Carty homes to offer their support, assistance and condolences. Also the lads who have been looking after the farm for us.

Lorna started her career as a nurse’s aid in Blanchardstown hospital. She did her training in the Meath Hospital in Dublin and worked in Navan hospital before finally moving to Bedford Medical centre as a practice nurse. I would like to thank all her co workers who paid their respects and especially the team from Bedford Medical Centre.

I would like to thank Boyne Valley Farmers Group for their support and for helping with the stewarding.

For the Meath Senior Football team, The Director General of the GAA Paraic Duffy and all GAA clubs across the county who took time out to call to the house and offer their condolence

I would like to thank Aidan Heffernan, Trim for his professionalism, his kindness and for ensuring that every small detail was attended to.

I extend our thanks to the Gardai for all their assistance, the garda escort and traffic management and for ensuring all was in order.

I would like to thank Fr. Horneck for his support and help with organising the funeral mass. Monsignor Sean Heaney, Fr. Terry Toner, Fr Paddy Smith and Fr. David Brennan for con celebrating the mass.

Robbie O Malley for his beautiful singing during the mass and for all those who made the mass such a respectful and fitting tribute to the life of Lorna.

The people who organised the seating outside the church and provided refreshments before and after the funeral mass.

We wish to offer our condolence to Larry and Martina Hayes at this time.

We very much appreciate the support and sympathy that has been expressed. We thank the media for respecting our privacy up to now and we ask that you continue to allow us this privacy, so that we can mourn the sudden and tragic passing of our beloved Lorna with dignity."