The remains of the two Air Corps pilots, who died in a plane crash in Connemara on Monday, rested under escort overnight at the Garrison church at Casement Aerodrome in Baldonnel.
Air Corps personnel formed a guard of honour as the cortege carrying the remains of Captain Derek Furniss and Cadet David Jevens arrived last night from Galway.
Taoiseach Brian Cowen, Minister for Defence Willie O'Dea and Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces Lieutenant-General Dermot Earley met members of both pilots’ families before a prayer service began.
The President was represented by her Aide-de-Camp and the general officer commanding the Air Corps, Brigadier General Ralph James, was also in attendance.
Both pilots will be buried with full military honours.
Cadet Jevens will be buried in his native Co Wexford tomorrow while Captain Furniss will be buried in Dublin on Saturday.
