Irishman dies in Oz after assault

A young Irishman who had planned to travel home to his family for Christmas has died in Australia two weeks after being assaulted on a night out.

Thomas Keaney, 23, from Ballyconneely, Co Galway, lost his life yesterday at Royal Perth Hospital in western Australia.

While his family were initially told he was recovering, they were told on Christmas Eve that their son’s condition was deteriorating, and that they should travel to Perth “immediately” to be by his side.

Mr Keaney was assaulted outside the Euro Kebab shop at Aberdeen St, Perth, in the early hours of Dec 17.

As he was standing in a taxi queue, a row broke out, resulting in Mr Keaney being punched on the side of the head. It is alleged that he subsequently fell and hit his head off the footpath.

A 22-year-old man, Abbas Al Jrood, has appeared at Perth Magistrates Court and has until now been facing charges of grievous bodily harm. He did not apply for bail and will be held in custody until Jan 13, at which point he will appear via video link.

Mr Keaney had planned to travel home for Christmas to see his father and mother, Tommy and Ann, his two sisters and younger brother.

However, he chose to stay in Australia after being offered more bar work.

Keogh’s Bar and Restaurant in Ballconneely, where the 23-year-old had previously worked, was due to hold a fundraiser to help Mr Keaney’s family with medical bills last night, when the tragic news emerged.