All-Ireland final referee on the challenges posed by heart disease

A relieved James McGrath talks candidly about heath scare

A prominent family history of heart disease put well-known Turin and Westmeath hurling referee James McGrath on alert that there could be cardiac challenges ahead. Two heart related procedures at the Mater in the past nine months have ‘steadied the ship’ for the 47-year-old former All-Ireland hurling final referee, so much so that he has taken on the 100 Miles in a month challenge for February.

“I was always aware of my slightly concerning heart history, especially on my Mother’s side – the William’s. Back in 2009, I had my first ‘heart check’ as a precaution, even though I had no symptoms. But, at that stage, everything showed up clear," James explained.

A decade later, however, his worst fears became a reality.

“My first sign of any real trouble was in 2019. I noticed my heartbeat was becoming irregular, almost like a quivering in my chest. This happened on and off for a couple of months before I got my first bad turn, in May 2020, in the early part of the pandemic. I just couldn’t catch my breath and I could feel my heart inside me going physically berserk… it would be erratic and fast and then go very slow. I was admitted to Mullingar Regional Hospital where they confirmed I had Atrial Fibrillation – an irregular heart rhythm. I was monitored for a couple of days and placed on medication to try manage the symptoms," he recalled.

“After that, as time passed, the Atrial Fibrillation incidents began to happen more regularly, They were moving from monthly to weekly occurrences. Funnily enough they never seemed to happen when I was exercising or reffing a match. Although, if I was reffing on the weekend, I could almost predict I’d have an episode on a Monday evening."

Conscious of the family history, James was concerned of the potential for serious health issues if he didn't address the issue and get a comprehensive medical check. As an active sports person with a busy working career, he didn't wish to take any chances.

“While these incidents weren’t stressing me, the thought of one coming on was always at the back of my mind. I wondered if I might collapse while reffing a match or at work – I’m a Vice-Principal in Castlepollard Community School in Westmeath," he remarked.

“Also, regularly at the back of my mind was that family history I mentioned. I’m the youngest of nine siblings, aged forty-seven to sixty-five. All but two of us have had heart related issues – two of my brothers have been through open heart surgery, one suffers congestive heart failure and one’s had an ablation procedure. In addition, we lost a first cousin to a suspected heart attack at the age of forty. I was hoping the team looking after me could find the best solution."

He then began treatment in Dublin's Mater Hospital.

“My care had been transferred to the Mater Hospital at this stage and I was looked after by a super team including; Professor Mahon, Professor Galvin, Dr Keeney, Dr Mahon and Dr Cadogan. They decided that an ablation procedure would help address my issues. This is where heat or cold energy is used to create tiny scars in the heart to block the faulty electrical signals and restore a typical heartbeat," he explained.

“I had my procedure on the 23 June 2023. Believe it or not, thanks to continued technical advancements I was in and out in one day. I felt amazing afterwards, so much so that I headed for a swim the following morning."

He then needed further treatment following further tests which revealed further coronary issues. There was some reassurance at the end of it all.

"I was back last November for a follow-up CT Scan and they noted a potential blockage in one of the vessels around the heart. They scheduled an angiogram to pursue it and see if I needed a stent. Thanks to a cancellation, I had that angiogram just last week. Only a mild blockage was identified and no need for a stent at this time," said James.

He's relived to have had the support of outstanding medical professionals and he is now looking forward to continuing his busy, active lifestyle.

“Healthwise I’m in a very good place at the moment and I also have peace of mind following the ablation and angiogram procedures. I owe a debt to Dr Jerry O’Flynn, the Westmeath County footballers Doctor, who got me on track to the Mater for treatment. And, I’m hugely grateful for the expertise of the Mater team and the technology they have to deal with cases like mine. That’s one of the reasons why I take part in fundraising challenges like ‘100 Miles in a Month for Cardiac Care’, they make a real and tangible difference," he said.

“I’ll have a call back for my twelve month check on my ablation in June, and I remain on medication such as aspirin and a cholesterol tablet to keep things under control. Apart from that, I’m back to my everyday life as a Vice-Principal and a Ref … and I’m raring to go for the Leinster Refs fitness tests in a couple of weeks’ time.”