What is the Asian hornet and should we be worried after one was found in Cork?

First Cork sighting of invasive Asian hornet highlights risks to Irish honeybees and the need for public vigilance

The Asian hornet is an invasive species in Europe that is a fierce predator of domestic honeybees, as well as pollinating insects. Picture: National Museum of Ireland

Following the confirmation that an Asian hornet had been found in Dublin in 2021, Cork (of course) has now got its own hornet, found in a beer garden (of course) in the city this month.

It has since been revealed that a nest has also been located in the city. So what’s the story?