Assault victim John regains consciousness

A 20-YEAR-OLD Irishman who suffered serious head injuries in an unprovoked attack in the US has regained consciousness after being in a coma for almost a week.

John Brennan from Clara in Kilkenny was kicked in the back from behind and hit his head off the pavement as he waited for a taxi close to an Irish bar. He was rushed to hospital in a serious condition and was immediately placed on a life support machine.

He regained consciousness on Saturday and recognised his best friend Jerry Byrne, who kept a vigil at his bedside. The friends travelled together to the US on August 25 to work as carpenters with Jerry's brother.