Former Down hurler Stephen Keith recovers from gym cardiac arrest
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 2, 2026, 6:52 AM
Last updated Sep 2, 2026
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.
- •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.
- 6:52 AMYahoo Sports — Keith credits training partners for 'saving my life'
- 6:52 AMBBC Sport — Keith credits training partners for 'saving my life'
"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.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 2, 2026, 6:52 AMKeith credits training partners for 'saving my life'
Former Down hurler Stephen Keith credits the quick actions of his training partners after suffering a cardiac arrest in a gym.
- BBC SportSep 2, 2026, 6:52 AMKeith credits training partners for 'saving my life'
Former Down hurler Stephen Keith credits the quick actions of his training partners after suffering a cardiac arrest in a gym.
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