Dad-of-three Michael Sheehan was pronounced dead at the scene

A DAD-of three has died after he was stung by wasps while gardening at his home in Cork.

Michael Sheehan, 56, was cutting a hedge yesterday afternoon at his home in Carriganine, near Macroom, when he apparently disturbed a nest of wasps.

The wasps stung him a number of times and it's understood he went into his house where he collapsed a short time later.

The emergency services were called by a family member and ambulance personnel arrived to find Mr Sheehan unconscious.

CPR was quickly administered by paramedics but unfortunately the popular local man was pronounced dead at the scene.

It's understood he died from a severe reaction to the wasp stings which led to anaphylactic shock.

His body was taken to Cork University Hospital for a full autopsy.

Gardai are treating the death as a terrible tragedy and the local coroner has been informed.

He was remembered as a "beloved husband" and "loving fatther" by his family.

He death notice online reads: "Michael (Mick) beloved husband and best friend of Carmel, loving father of Conor, Katie and Áine and devoted dog walker of Floss and Archie.

"Dear son of Norma and the late Raymond (Ray), brother of Margaret. Deeply regretted by his extended family, many friends and kind neighbours."

He is due to repose in Fitz-Geralds Funeral Home in Macroom tomorrow from 6pm to 8pm.

His funeral mass will then take place on Friday at 1.30 pm in St Colman's Church before a private cremation at 4pm in The Island Crematorium, Ringaskiddy.

The family have requested for donations to the Irish Community Air Ambulance in lieu of flowers.

While such deaths are generally uncommon, last year 43-year-old Eamonn Horan from Kilcoo in Northern Ireland collapsed after he received a wasp sting while collecting his daughter from school.

He realised he had been stung and got out of his van before collapsing on the road.

He was rushed to hospital in Belfast but died two days later from anaphylactic shock despite receiving medical treatment.

Anaphylaxis UK stated following Mr Horan's death that for the majority of people an insect sting is an uncomfortable and sore experience, but generally is not dangerous.

However for some there are tragic consequences and bee or wasp stings can be very serious for those who are susceptible to suffering potentially life-threatening anaphylaxis.

The venom from wasps, in particular, contain toxins which cause severe reactions in some people.

If a person is aware of the allergy then it is advisable to carry an epinephrine autoinjector which contains adrenaline which can save lives.

Unfortunately, it's understood Mr Sheehan was unaware that he had such an allergy.