Westlife star Mark Feehily breaks silence with major health update on birthday

WESTLIFE star Mark Feehily has broken his silence from social media to share a major recovery update.

The Sligo native is celebrating his 44th birthday today at home with his beloved partner Cailean O’Neill and their daughter Layla.

The singer hasn’t posted on social media since February 28, 2024, when he announced he had to pull out of ALL shows to “fully recover” after undergoing surgery.

Mark revealed his secret surgery hell, telling fans how he’s gone under the knife for the fourth time since 2020 after medics found a “very large incisional hernia”.

The 44-year-old said the “physical demands” of the concerts and extensive travel proved “too much” for him and so he would “temporarily stand down from all Westlife touring”.

The dad-of-one took to Instagram late last night to update his fans on his “physical and psychological journey” back to health, as his band mates Kian Egan, Nicky Byrne and Shane Filan are currently touring China.

Mark shared a heart-melting video of his little one singing Happy Birthday to him in her pink leopard print pyjamas.

The Irish star said: “Loving you all so much, I have been without social media apps on my phone for months now which has been really good for me just to take a break, but I do miss it and miss you all.

“Whilst I am not yet back to1 00%… I am doing better each week and just enjoying time with my family and loved ones, it’s a physical and psychological journey!

“I wish I was there with you at the concerts – I love you – hugs and kisses.”

Mark’s friends and fans all rushed to the comment section with loving messages and birthday wishes.

Westlife star Kian Egan wrote: “Happy birthday Mark. Sending you lots of love.”

Pat said: “Happy birthday Mark, glad you are on the mend. Time is a great healer. Well done Layla, what a beauty she is.

“Kian, Nicky and Shane are singing their hearts out for you, but you are missed, thank you for the update.”

Another fan commented: “OMGGGG Marky… We love you so so much, we missed you so so much. But we totally understand you want time away from the social media mess.

“We love you so! We’re glad you’re doing better sweety… happy, happy birthday!!!”

Zen added: Happy birthday Marky!!! We miss you too!! We’ll be here when you are ready! Thank you for sharing this.”

‘TRAUMATIC’

The Sligo singer battled pneumonia and underwent surgery during a difficult health battle in 2022.

He had to pull out of several shows during the band’s Wild Dreams tour last summer.

However, Mark’s ongoing health battle began in 2020 when he ended up in intensive care after developing sepsis and spent months in hospital.

He explained his tough time saying: “It was during lockdown. For months, due to strict Covid restrictions, I was not allowed any visitors including my fiancé and my then 10-month-old daughter,

“It was physically and mentally a very difficult time, not to mention traumatic having to spend so long in ICU.

“I was eventually discharged from hospital in December 2020 but I have had ongoing medical problems as a result of it all.”