A MAN in his 40s has died after being stabbed following a funeral in Co Kerry.

The attack occurred at New Rath Cemetery in the Rathass area of Tralee at around 11.45am following a burial service.

It is understood the wife of the deceased suffered stab wounds, while it has been reported that another man was also injured during the incident, which has been described by the mayor of Tralee as "disturbing and extremely shocking".

The attack at the cemetery followed a funeral service for a young woman reported to be from the Cork area.

It is understood no arrests were made at the scene by Gardai.

It was reported by RTÉ that the deceased and his wife were from the Killarney area of Co Kerry.

The broadcaster also reported that follow-up searches connected to the incident were carried out in Killarney, Tralee and Cork city.

Tralee mayor Mickey Sheehy told reporters following confirmation of the death: "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."

He said the cemetery was "a place where people go to reflect", adding: "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."