Ken McGrath thankful for the support

Former Waterford hurler Ken McGrath has described how open heart surgery had left him feeling like he had been “hit by a bus”.

The winner of four Munster SHC titles and three All Stars went under the knife at Dublin's Beacon Hospital in April.

McGrath (36) suffered a brain haemorrhage last December and extensive tests at Ardkeen Hospital revealed an abnormal valve and infection in his heart. Seven weeks ago last Tuesday, he underwent an eight-hour procedure.

McGrath said: “For the first two days (post-operation), I can’t remember a thing. Lads that got the operation done before me told me that when you wake up, you feel like you’ve been hit by a bus – that’s the only way you can describe it.

“It was unreal for a few days. Eoin (his brother) came up with the father on the Thursday and got some fright when he saw me.

“I was white as a ghost and had lost a lot of weight. But I knew that I was in safe hands.

“It was a job that had to be done and I knew that it would improve my quality of life in the long run.

“Three or four days later, I was walking up the stairs in the Beacon – it’s unbelievable how fast you can recover.”

On June 27th, the Ken McGrath All Star challenge will take place at Walsh Park, with a host of former intercounty stars playing in a benefit match to raise funds for a lengthy and costly rehabilitation process.

Selections

The team managers are

Davy Fitzgerald

and

Brian Cody

, who will send Munster and Leinster selections into battle.

McGrath is naturally thankful for all of the support that he has received to date.

McGrath was well enough to attend Waterford’s Munster SHC quarter-final draw with Cork last Sunday week, and will return to Thurles as a spectator again for next weekend’s replay.

McGrath will soon embark on a seven-week rehabilitation programme at Waterford Regional Hospital.

And he smiled: “For the first week I could walk five minutes and was wrecked. It’s strange, now I’m walking 30-40 minutes after seven weeks. I get tired in the afternoon and have to have a little rest, which is great!

"But I'm really starting from scratch again, to build it up. In the last two weeks, I feel a lot better and there's colour back in my face." The Ken McGrath All Star challenge takes place at Walsh Park. Admission: €10 (U16s free). Donations can also be made to Permanent TSB account 23053903, sort code: 99 06 32.