A man has been stabbed to death during a burial at a Co Kerry cemetery.
The man’s wife is understood to have suffered severe injuries in the same incident.
Gardai remained at the scene on Wednesday afternoon after responding to what they called a “serious assault” at Rath Cemetery in Rathass, Tralee, which occurred that morning.
The man, aged in his 40s, was pronounced dead at the scene and his body has been taken to University Hospital Kerry.
The scene has been preserved pending a full technical examination.
The Mayor of Tralee, Mikey Sheehy, told the PA news agency that there was “shock” at the incident and a “sombre” mood in the town.
“This type of incident is shocking at any time or anywhere, but obviously the fact that this has happened in the town’s graveyard adds another level to that.
“Rath graveyard is the biggest graveyard in Tralee, it’s a place where people go to reflect, it’s where people go to walk, it’s a place where people go to visit a loved one who has passed away.
“So the fact that such a violent act has taken place here is disturbing and extremely shocking to say the least.”
Tralee councillor Cathal Foley said it was “horrendous and barbaric” that someone had lost their life at a funeral.
“People here have great affection for the graveyard, and there’s great respect for funerals,” he said.
Large crowds from outside the town are understood to have attended the funeral, held for a woman who died suddenly on Monday.
