Queen of country music Philomena Begley has opened up about her health after undergoing heart surgery in 2019. The singer had a valve put in after realising she was sick while on a major nationwide tour, but she has since made a full recovery and she is as busy as ever. She also opened up about dealing with bouts of anxiety and overthinking, and why ageing has never bothered her. Read more: Susan McCann on family life, turning 75, recovering from cancer and the hard parts of music Philomena told RSVP Country: "I had heart surgery in 2019, I got a valve in. I was breathless and the doctors brought me in and discovered I needed a valve. "I was working on Mike Denver’s tour at the time. I had the operation in May and then I got an infection that lasted near enough until September. "It was a kind of pneumonia and I couldn’t get rid of it. They sent out an acute care team for about a week and they were giving me injections. "I got back on the road with Mike the following January and then two months later the pandemic hit. That was another wee break I had from music, but I made use of it. "We have a farm and my son and I used to perform at the side of the road with some of the neighbours. People would sit at the bridge nearby and watch us, that would keep us going." When she got sick, Philomena never thought there might come a time when she wouldn’t be able to sing again. She said: "I’ve never really had a problem I couldn’t overcome. My children will tell you I complain a lot though [laughs]." Philomena will be 83 this year and ageing has never bothered her. She said: "To tell you the truth I just get on with it. Being honest I do have some moments where I get bouts of anxiety. "It’s nothing too serious and I can work my way out of it. My daughter bought me a book because I was complaining about things. "If I have pains here or there I have to consult the books. I had to go to the hospital once as well." Does her health concern her? "I complain every now and again, but when I look around and see people who are genuinely sick I realise what’s wrong with me is nothing. "It’s just overthinking things you don’t need to be concerned about. "Overthinking is the worst, it’s worse than anything. I try to get on with it because there are other people who are worse off." Philomena was honoured at Áras an Uachtaráin by President Michael D. Higgins and his wife Sabina recently to recognise her exceptional contributions to Irish country music, her dedication to charitable causes and work within the community. She said: "Oh my God, it was absolutely brilliant. I really enjoyed the day, it was lovely. "I’ve admired him down through the years and he’s a lovely man. Sabina is a beautiful woman. "I was celebrating 62 years in country music. I started with the Old Cross Céilí Band back in 1962." Philomena never thought when she started out she would be here in this position 62 years later. She said: "Not in a million years! When I started in music I didn’t know what I was letting myself in for. "I loved singing. I had big plans to be a nurse, but that didn’t materialise. "I’ve really enjoyed my 62 years of work and I’ve no regrets. I would do the same thing all over again if I got the choice." Thinking of her achievements, they fill her with pride. The Tyrone woman said: "I’ve loads and loads of awards that I got from way back. "Only the other day I was looking around the house and I couldn’t even count them, I have so many. I don’t see myself as a big performer, I’m just me. I can’t explain myself." There is no difference between Philomena Begley the singer and Philomena Begley at home. She said: "They’re all the same person." It’s 50 years since the Miami Showband massacre, which was a scary time for performers around Ireland. She said: "We were out in the middle of The Troubles and we went on and played on stage. We just got on with it and we did what we had to do. "It was scary, surely. You would be afraid of being up late at night and you were afraid of being stopped." Interview by Mikie O’Loughlin Photography by Terrie Burton Hair by Alisha Mc Elvaney @alishamcelvaney Make-up by Louise Black @louiseblackmakeupartist Location: Concra Wood Golf Club Established in 2012, The View Restaurant and Bar at Concra Wood Golf Club is the ideal place to unwind. The uniquely designed bar and restaurant offers panoramic views of Concra Wood Golf course and the surrounding lake of Lough Muckno. The golf club, which opened its doors in 2008, boasts a course which was designed by Christy O’Connor Jnr and Snr. It has a setting like no other, nestled into the drumlins of Castleblayney. Playing a round of golf at Concra Wood is an unforgettable experience finished off with a drink and a bite to eat overlooking the course in the restaurant and bar area. The grounds of Concra Wood are also steeped in history with the ruins of The Temple and what is known as McMahon’s Castle or The Battery overlooking Hope Castle and Lough Muckno Park with beautiful views of the surrounding drumlins of Castleblayney. All clothing from Gasp Boutique, Armagh With thanks to Jill Guest and Monaghan Tourism To find out more about upcoming music festivals and accommodation options in Castleblayney, visit monaghantourism.com Read the full interview with Philomena Begley and see all of the fabulous pictures in this issue of RSVP Country -on shelves now. Get the latest country music news, interviews and pictures straight to your phone by joining our exclusive Facebook page - here