Mayo woman dies after being attacked by bees

Heartbreaking news.

The 73-year-old, who has been named as Kathleen Devine, was from the Knockmore area of Mayo, and had been attending to her and her husband's bee hives when the tragic incident occurred.

The Mayo Beekeepers' Association have shared their sympathies to Ms Devine's family saying that she was an accomplished and cherished member of their community.

According to RTE News, eyewitnesses say they saw a huge number of bees around Ms Devine making efforts to assist her difficult.

She is thought to have sustained a number of stings.

Emergency services rushed to the scene and the Rescue 118 Coast Guard helicopter was deployed to airlift Ms Devine to Sligo University Hospital where she sadly died.

A Garda spokesperson said: “Gardaí assisted emergency services at a medical incident involving a woman at Ballycastle, Ballina, Co Mayo, at approximately 5:40pm on Monday.

“The woman, aged in her 70s, became ill and was transferred by air ambulance to Sligo General Hospital. She subsequently passed away.

“A woman who rendered assistance, aged in her 40s, was brought by ambulance to Mayo University Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

“A post mortem examination will be carried out, the results of which will determine the course of the Garda investigation.

“The local Coroner has been informed.”

Ms Devine's funeral will take place on Friday.