Irish in Toronto

This podcast showcases the Irish living in Toronto today. We discuss why they came, what made them stay, what they miss about home and will their future be in Canada or in Ireland. Subscribe and share with your friends and family. Please send any feedback, positive or negative to pasheehan31@gmail.com. Thanks to Shannon Heaton for the music. Please listen to her podcast, 'Irish Music Stories', a show about traditional music. Thanks to Natalie Barbuzzi for our lovely logo. Thanks to Barry Conway for convincing me this was a good idea. Bain taitneamh as! Enjoy!

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Irish in Toronto

Ian Kinsella, recovery from heart surgery

June 05, 2026 • My Recording • Season 1 • Episode 82

0:00 | 1:22:03

Today, we welcome back Ian Kinsella to the podcast. Ian is the first person to appear on the podcast for a second time and his story definitely justifies this distinction. In 2023, only a few months after Ian appeared on ‘Irish in Toronto’ and at the age of 41, he suffered a widowmaker heart attack.

Following his heart attack in 2023, Ian underwent life-altering surgery. In November 2024, he set a Guinness world record for the fastest marathon with a coronary artery bypass graft, running the New York City marathon in 3 hours and 42 seconds. Ian is clearly grateful for running post-surgery but it was poignant to listen back to our conversation from three years ago and hear how much he appreciated the sport before he ever had any heart issues.

Ian is upfront and honest in this conversation. His recovery is a winding process and he pulls no punches in going into the details here. Trigger warning, there will be mentions of suicidal ideation and substance abuse.

I consider Ian a good friend and a role model for being honest with oneself.