Kildare country star back on stage after heart attack

CASTLEDERMOT country music singer Michael English has said a recent heart attack he suffered two weeks ago has changed his outlook on life.

The singer said he is now “back to normal” after receiving the all-clear from doctors and has already resumed a busy run of performances across the country.

“It’s ten days ago now and I’m back on the road,” the 46-year-old said last week. “I got the green light from the doctor, so I started back last weekend and I’m back out this weekend in Monaghan, Kerry and Donegal.” Mr English became unwell on a Thursday morning (4 February) while travelling to a theatre concert in Waterford. He recalled waking early feeling unusually drained but initially dismissing the symptoms.

“The only way I can explain it is like the batteries were very low, like I wasn’t firing on all cylinders,” he said.

After stopping for fuel about half an hour from Waterford, his condition rapidly deteriorated.

“I just wasn’t able to get out or move very well. I slipped over into the passenger seat and about 10 minutes later I became very unwell and I blacked out,” he said.

His manager rushed him to hospital, where he regained consciousness.

“They told me within 40 minutes that I had what they call a cardiac event … it was a mild heart attack,” he said.

The performer spent several days in hospital, both in Waterford University Hospital Waterford and the Hermitage Clinic in Dublin, before continuing his recovery at home. Despite the ordeal, he said returning to work quickly was important to him.

“Once I got the green light, I’m the type of person that wouldn’t hang around because the longer you wait the harder it is,” he said. “I decided I’d just go straight back and take off where I left off.” 

Mr English said he took it easy off stage during his comeback shows but wanted to avoid disappointing fans who had already made travel plans.

“I hate letting people down who would have tickets and book hotels and travel arrangements,” he said.

The singer, who regularly performs hundreds of shows each year, said the experience has changed his outlook on work and health.

Although he returned to the stage less than two weeks after suffering the mild heart attack while travelling to a show in Co Waterford, Michael said the episode was powerful lesson of the importance of balance in one’s life.

“The one thing I learned from the whole thing is to have a balance. When I’m on, I’m on, and when I’m off, it’s okay to be off,” he said.

He also urged people not to ignore their health, particularly those who appear fit and healthy.

“People should get themselves checked. You never know what’s underlying,” he said. “It only takes a short time to go in and get yourself checked out.” For now, he said he is simply grateful to be back doing what he loves.

“It’s back to business, back on the road,” he said, “but with a better balance going forward.” The singer said he is also preparing for a special one-night concert at Church of Our Lady and St David's in Naas on March 6 as part of the parish’s bicentenary celebrations.

Describing the performance as “a very special evening,” he said the show will feature faith and inspirational music rather than his usual dancehall repertoire.

“It’s an evening of faith and inspirational music. Something very special done through candlelight,” he said.

Tickets for the event can be purchased in the parish office at the Church of Our Lady & St David, Richie’s Menswear on Main Street, Barker & Jones bookshop in Naas town centre, and online through his official website: MichaelEnglish.ie.