A man identified as James McCalister, has tragically died – after falling ill at his own wife’s funeral.

According to The Sun UK, the community in Cushdendall, Northern Ireland, was left shocked following the man’s death during the service on Wednesday.

James McCalister was attending the funeral of his wife Kathleen after she passed away on Monday, reports the Belfast Telegraph.

They were both aged in their 70s.

The paper reports that Mr McCalister was shaking hands with people after attending his wife’s Requiem Mass at St Mary’s Church when he took unwell.

They were paying their respects when suddenly he collapsed at her graveside.

Despite attempts by mourners to save him, he was declared dead shortly afterwards.

Oliver McMullan, was also at the funeral, told the Irish News: “He was very, very well known within the Glens and further afield.

“They were always part of the community and the first to be there if there was anything to be done in the hurling club.

“That’s the type of community the Glens is, close knit and it’s a devastating blow for the community.”