Former Down hurler Stephen Keith recovers from gym cardiac arrest

2 sources1 min read • Latest: Sep 2, 2026, 6:52 AM

Last updated Sep 2, 2026

Former Down hurler Stephen Keith recovers from gym cardiac arrest
Summary

Former Down goalkeeper Stephen Keith is recovering after suffering a cardiac arrest while at a gym in Portaferry. The 39-year-old collapsed following a workout, requiring his training partners to perform CPR for approximately 20 to 22 minutes until defibrillators could be retrieved. Keith spent nearly a month at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast, where doctors inserted a stent to address a blocked coronary artery and fitted an implantable defibrillator. Although he has been medically cleared to return to physical activity, Keith has stated his intention to retire from competitive hurling to avoid further health risks to himself and his family. He is now using his experience to advocate for wider CPR training and the installation of functioning defibrillators in community sports facilities.

Source Links
Status Watch
  • Stephen Keith collapsed after a gym session in Portaferry.
  • A nurse on site initiated CPR while partners retrieved local defibrillators.
  • Doctors treated a blocked artery and implanted a protective defibrillator.
  • Keith expects to end his playing career with Down and his club Ballycran.
Latest Updates
  • 6:52 AMYahoo SportsKeith credits training partners for 'saving my life'
  • 6:52 AMBBC SportKeith credits training partners for 'saving my life'
What they're saying
"

Former Down hurler Stephen Keith credits the quick actions of his training partners after suffering a cardiac arrest in a gym.

"

Former Down hurler Stephen Keith credits the quick actions of his training partners after suffering a cardiac arrest in a gym.

Related Teams & Leagues

Sources

External links

Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.

Related Stories

Last 14 days