Irish backpacker hurt in attack wakes from coma to speak to family

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

However, John Counihan, aged 23, from Castlecor near Mallow in Co Cork, has no recollection of the attack on Bondi Beach on September 22.

Mr Counihan was punched and kicked by a group of at least three men after a row over a game of pool at a pub.