Retired nurse killed in horror bee swarm attack es as she collected honey

Kathleen Devine from Ballina, Co. Mayo who died as a result of bee stings at a bee colony in Ballycastle, Co. Mayo (Image: undefined)

A retired nurse tragically lost her life after being attacked by a swarm of bees while collecting honey. Kathleen Devine, in her seventies, suffered a fatal reaction to the stings during an incident in Co. Mayo, Ireland.

The former medical professional and her husband Des, both keen beekeepers, were assisting friends in harvesting honey from their hives near their home in Ballycastle when the insects turned on them. Despite wearing protective clothing, Mrs Devine was stung multiple times, leading to a severe allergic reaction.

Immediate care was provided at the scene before she was airlifted to Sligo University Hospital for further treatment, but sadly, she could not be saved. A source revealed to the Irish Mirror: "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."

He added: "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."

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."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."