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Return of the Mac

Susannah Wright
15/ 5/2008

A PRIEST who had a heart attack in church was back preaching again six days later.

Father Patrick McMahon of St John’s RC Church in Chorlton was rushed to hospital by one of his parishioners after he became ill during an evening mass.

Fr McMahon said: "I started having chest pains and cramps about an hour before the mass, but I was determined to carry on.

"Then during the mass I was getting sweats and then felt really cold, and while I was at the back of the church one of the parishioners came up to me and said I looked dreadful and insisted on taking me to hospital.

"It was quite scary and I became a bit anxious but luckily they saw me really quickly and put a stent in my arm to clear the artery."

Fr McMahon, 65, who has been the priest at the High Lane church for 11 years, says he tried not to be fazed by his heart attack on Saturday, May 3. He said: "I felt right as rain a couple of days later but the doctors insisted on keeping in me a few days more. But I came home on the Thursday and on the next day I was back in the pulpit conducting mass.

"I think I managed to bounce back quite well and it was good to see so many smiling faces in the church and hear people wishing me well."

Now the fanatical Manchester United supporter is looking forward to the European Champions’ League final on Wednesday, May 21.

He said: "We’re always praying for United in the church and I reckon we’ll win if we get stuck in, so I’m just waiting for them to take the glory - that’ll be the icing on the cake."

Fr McMahon, who said he’ll be watching the match at home, added: "I hope it won't be another strain on my heart!"

This week his parishioners welcomed him back to work.

Wyn Chebrika, 73, a grandmother-of-ten who lives on Cundiff Road, Chorlton, said: "When I had my two hip replacement operations he came to see me twice.

"He always makes time for people and he is much loved around here so I wish him well."

Michael Reilly of Maidstone Avenue, said: "He’s a great hard-working and sincere man, who always does his best for his parishioners."