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.