“I Thought I Was Going To Die”
The Big Story
Wednesday, 16 July 2025 - 19 minutes
A former league of Ireland footballer is undertaking a cycling challenge for cardiac care after surviving a heart attack.
Rathangan's Ger Heffernan will cycle to Kerry from his home on the 9th of August in aid of the St James Hospital Foundation.
He suffered a heart attack in 2023 after swimming 40 lengths at Portarlington Leisure Centre.
He says staff at St James’s and Naas Hospitals saved his life and helped him recover after receiving four stents.
The two-day cycle ends in Ballylongford and aims to raise awareness about cardiac health.
Mr Heffernan has been speaking with Will Faulkner and says he was fit and healthy, it can happen to anyone.
