Sister breaks down as brother fights for his life

THE sister of a 23-year-old Irishman, who is fighting for his life in an Australian hospital, broke down yesterday as she made an emotional appeal for help in finding his four attackers.

Patricia Counihan broke down at a media briefing organised by Sydney police which had been arranged to seek the public’s help in tracing her brother John’s attackers.

She started shaking and crying uncontrollably before walking out of the conference.

As she was helped away she sobbed “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry.” Instead her statement had to be read out by the Irish vice-consulate, Louise Kelly.

John Counihan, from Castlecor, Mallow, who had been living in the Bondi area of Sydney, was attacked by four men, described as being of Pacific Islander appearance.

Police said they believed the vicious attack which took place last Friday was sparked by a row over a game of pool at the Royal Hotel. It is feared that John may have suffered brain damage.

Ms Kelly read out Patricia Counihan’s statement which said: “The incident has created great pain on our families JP, as he is known to us, is a caring, loving and popular man among family and friends. He has a good sense of humour. I would like to appeal to anyone who saw anything in relation to the assault to please come forward and assist police with their inquiries, as the attack was particularly brutal.”

John had been in Australia for five months on a 12-month working visa. His girlfriend, Pamela Scannell from Mallow, had arrived in Australia just a month ago and has spent the past few days at his hospital bedside.

“Police are interviewing a number of witnesses, including people who were at the hotel, employees from nearby businesses and passing motorists, local police commander Justin Chisholm said.

They are also examining amateur video footage of the attack which was posted on the website www.youtube.com.au, before it was handed to them. The attackers punched him to the ground before kicking and stomping him on the head and body.

For five year before setting off to Australia, John Counihan worked as a welder at Liscarroll Milk Tanks. Its production manager, Jim Brosnan, said all his fellow workers were in a state of shock after hearing the news.

“John is a very decent, nice young fella. He’s quiet and he wouldn’t hurt a fly. We are all praying for him,” Mr Brosnan said.

Sydney police yesterday issued descriptions of three of the men they want to interview in connection with the attack.

The first man is described as about 6ft 1in, aged in his mid 20s, and of athletic build with a dark Mohawk-style haircut. He also has a tribal tattoo on his upper left arm and right leg. He was wearing a grey T-shirt and light coloured shorts with yellow stripes.

The second man is around 5ft 8ins tall, in his late 20s, of medium build and with short black hair. He was wearing a horizontal striped green, black and white collared T-shirt.

The third man was said to be stocky, muscular build and dark, curly hair and approximately 6ft tall.

He was wearing a dark peaked beanie and a white T-shirt with black writing.