A well-known referee in Offaly says he’s’ lucky to be alive’ after suffering a heart attack while officiating at a match earlier this month.

Edenderry’s John McDonnell is warning others like him not to ignore chest pains and similar symptoms after it almost cost him his life. His message is to seek immediate medical attention before it’s too late.

Despite being physically fit thanks to his refereeing career, the 54-year-old postman hadn’t been feeling himself before things came to a head while running the line at a Leinster Club Intermediate Championship game between Clonkill (Westmeath) and Camross (Laois) in Clonkill on Sunday, November 3 last. Unbeknown to him, he suffered a heart attack, but was able to carry on. But when the sensation returned the following morning at his workstation, he called an ambulance and that call probably saved his life.

He underwent tests at the Midland Regional Hospital in Tullamore before being transferred to The Hermitage Clinic in Dublin on the Tuesday where he had a stent inserted to improve blood flow through a blocked artery in his heart. John was released from hospital two days later and has been counting his blessings ever since.

“I have a new appreciation for life. I’m very grateful to be alive,” the hurling and camogie referee told this week’s Offaly Topic.

“The man above was definitely looking down on me when the second warning came. Only for God’s grace, I was where I was at 9 o’clock on the Monday morning. Another 10 minutes and I would have been out on public roads, and what might have happened then doesn’t bear thinking about.

“I’ve since come to realise that I am one of the lucky ones. I got a huge scare. If I could give one piece of advice to men, it’s never to ignore pains in your chest, however small they are. Don’t take the typical male attitude towards these things. Make it your business to visit your GP or A&E immediately.

“Every second counts.”

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