Tuam is expected to come to a standstill today for the funeral of the two baby sisters who were killed in a road collision last Sunday on the outskirts of the town.

Thousands of mourners are expected at the Mass of the Angels for two-year-old Kate and 12-week-old Grace Gilmore at the Church of the Sacred Heart in Belclare at noontime.

Four years ago, Kate and Grace’s  parents John Gilmore and Michelle Newell were married in the same church.

This morning they will lead the mourners as their only two children are laid to rest following the incident, which occurred when they were on a Sunday afternoon walk with their father.

They died when a car came on to the hard shoulder on the N17 in Tuam near their home at the Meadows. The girls were rushed to University Hospital Galway but were pronounced dead.

Gardaí have reissued their appeal for witnesses. It is believed that the sole occupant of the Toyota Avensis car, who is also from Tuam, may have suffered a seizure. He was hospitalised after the crash with non-life threatening injuries.

The mayor of Co Galway, Cllr Tom Welby and the mayor of Galway city, Cllr Terry O’Flaherty, have opened a book of condolences at County Hall, which will remain open for the rest of the week. Thousands queued to sign a book of condolences at Tuam Town Council yesterday, which remained open late yesterday evening to facilitate the number of people waiting.

Mass of the Angels will be celebrated in the Church of the Sacred Heart, Belclare today at 12 noon after which the sisters will be laid to rest in Killower cemetery.