Stung to death by bees as she collected honey

THIS is the retired nurse who died after she went into shock after being stung by bees while collecting honey.

- BY MICHAEL O'TOOLE

Kathleen Devine, who was in her 70s, died after she reacted to being stung by bees in the incident in rural Co Mayo on Monday evening.

Mrs Devine and her husband Des - who were both involved in beekeeping - were helping friends take honey from hives when the tragedy happened close to their home in Ballycastle, about 25kms north of Ballina.

Local sources tell us Mrs Devine was stung by as few as two bees.

Mrs Devine became seriously ill after sustaining a number stings in the attack and Rescue 118 Irish Coast Guard helicopter was called to the scene to provide assistance.