Man cannot remember being assaulted

THE young man who was left fighting for his life after a vicious assault in Australia has opened his eyes and spoken to family members.

But John Counihan, 23, from Castlecor near Mallow in Co Cork, has no recollection of the attack on Bondi Beach on September 22. He was punched and kicked in the head by a group of at least three men after a row over a game of pool at a pub.

He suffered severe head injuries and was in a medically-induced coma in a critical condition in Saint Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney, since the attack.

However, he has spoken to family members within the last few days.

His sisters, Trisha and Mary, and girlfriend Pamela Scannell have all maintained a vigil at his bedside since the attack.

Fr Tom Devereux, chaplain to Sydney’s Irish community, said that while the signs were good, John still has a long way to go.

“He is able to talk to people now but he does not remember what happened to him. It will be a long haul for him,” he said.

It is understood he will have to undergo medical tests before being released from hospital. It could be several weeks before he is well enough to leave.

The Cork Association in Sydney has rallied to help Mr Counihan and his family. They are planning a fund-raising drive to help defray a number of costs which they have incurred.

Police are still hunting for the attackers, believed to be from the Pacific Islands. They are also awaiting clearance from doctors before interviewing Mr Counihan.