Quick Read
- Country music star Michael English, 46, suffered a heart attack last week.
- He blacked out in his car while traveling to a gig in Co Waterford but was not driving.
- English was treated at University Hospital Waterford and the Hermitage Clinic in Dublin, requiring no surgery.
- He is now “100pc” and has returned to performing, currently hosting shows in Mullingar.
- The incident prompted English to emphasize the importance of health check-ups and work-life balance.
DUBLIN (Azat TV) – Irish country music star Michael English, 46, recently suffered a heart attack while en route to a concert in Co Waterford, prompting a swift hospitalisation and an unexpected period of recovery. The incident, which English described as a profound “shock,” has since led the popular entertainer to reflect on the critical importance of health and work-life balance, even as he rapidly returns to the stage.
The health scare occurred last week when English began feeling unwell while driving to a performance in Cappoquin, Co Waterford. Fortunately, he asked his manager, Bryan Buckley, to take over behind the wheel after stopping for fuel. Approximately 20 minutes later, English blacked out in the passenger seat, a sudden turn of events that deeply alarmed his manager, as reported by The Mirror.
Unexpected Health Battle for Michael English
Despite maintaining a seemingly healthy lifestyle – never smoking, being a moderate drinker, and keeping fit – Michael English expressed his astonishment at the heart attack. “It was a shock – at 46 I didn’t think it would happen to me,” he told the Independent.ie. This unexpected vulnerability for a man in his prime underscores the unpredictable nature of health crises, challenging the perception that such events are solely reserved for older individuals or those with evident risk factors.
English received immediate medical attention, first at University Hospital Waterford and subsequently at the Hermitage Clinic in Dublin. His quick action in handing over the wheel to his manager is credited with potentially averting a more severe incident, highlighting the importance of listening to one’s body when symptoms arise.
A Star’s Road to Recovery and Resilience
Following his hospitalisation, English was relieved to discover he did not require surgery. He is currently on medication and is scheduled for further cardiac tests once his heart has had sufficient time to recover. Remarkably, he quickly bounced back, stating, “I feel great now, it’s as if nothing had happened, I’m 100pc.” This rapid return to full strength allowed him to resume his performance schedule almost immediately, currently hosting a weekend of shows in Mullingar, Co Westmeath.
His resilience in the face of such a significant health challenge has been a source of inspiration to his fans and colleagues. The country music star, often described as “the busiest act in the country,” is known for his relentless work ethic, a factor he now acknowledges may have contributed to his health scare.
Michael English Advocates for Health and Balance
The heart attack served as a profound wake-up call for English, prompting a re-evaluation of his demanding schedule and personal well-being. “I’ve said in the past that if there were eight days in the week I’d work eight days because I do love it,” he shared with the Independent.ie. “But one thing I have learned from this is that I do need to have a balance.”
He plans to implement a new routine, dedicating at least one day a week to personal activities like swimming and walking, away from his musical commitments. English also identified a need to prioritize sleep, acknowledging his tendency to rise early regardless of his late performance nights. Beyond his personal changes, he has become an advocate for proactive health management, urging others, particularly men, to undergo regular check-ups. “You have one body and one heart and you should look after your health and get regular check-ups. Men, in particular, are not good at that. But it could save your life,” he affirmed.
Michael English’s experience, transforming a private health crisis into a public message of resilience and self-care, underscores the vital importance of heeding one’s body and balancing intense dedication with personal well-being. His swift return to performing, coupled with his newfound advocacy, highlights how unexpected challenges can lead to profound personal growth and a broader call for awareness.

