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.

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

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

His sisters, Trisha and Mary, who travelled to Australia to join his 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 that he will have to undergo a series of medical tests before being released from hospital.

Meanwhile, the Cork Association in Sydney has rallied to help Mr Counihan and his family.

They are planning a fundraising drive to help defray a number of costs which they have incurred.

Sydney police are still hunting for the attackers, believed to be from the Pacific Islands.