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A retired nurse tragically lost her life after going into shock from bee stings while collecting honey.
Kathleen Devine, a woman in her seventies, passed away following an allergic reaction to bee stings in a rural area of Co. Mayo on Monday evening. Mrs Devine and her husband Des, both avid beekeepers, were assisting friends in harvesting honey from their hives when the tragic incident occurred near their home in Ballycastle, approximately 25kms north of Ballina.
Local sources suggest that Mrs Devine was stung by as few as two bees. Following the incident, Mrs Devine fell seriously ill and the Rescue 118 Irish Coast Guard helicopter was dispatched to provide assistance, reports the Irish Mirror.
She received immediate medical attention at the scene before being airlifted to Sligo University Hospital for further treatment, but sadly she later succumbed to her injuries. A post-mortem examination is set to be conducted to establish the exact cause of death, the results of which will guide the garda investigation. A report will also be prepared for the local coroner.
It's understood that several other individuals sustained injuries while attempting to aid Mrs Devine. One source recounted the tragic event, stating: "They were helping good friends take off the honey at the end of the season. Poor Mrs Devine got stung and she had an allergic reaction.
"It was very unfortunate. It was not a swarm of bees, it was a hive. This time of the year the bees are protective of their honey. Bees are wild animals, they can't be controlled. I think she was wearing protective clothing and the bees somehow got in the suit."
A local man also paid his respects to Mrs Devine. "She was a lovely, kind, dear lady," he said. "She was a woman in her seventies and was not long retired. She had a lot of service as a nurse."
The Gardai released a statement saying: "Gardaí assisted emergency services at a medical incident involving a woman at Ballycastle, Ballina, Co Mayo, at approximately 5.40pm on Monday 1 September 2025.
"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 postmortem examination will be carried out, the results of which will determine the course of the Garda investigation.
"The local Coroner has been informed."
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