Irish family recover after crash in Australia

Three members of an Irish family seriously hurt while visiting Australia early this month are continuing to recover in hospitals there.

Gerard Brosnan, 55, his wife Marguerite, 52, from Port Rd, Killarney, Co Kerry, and their daughter Karen, 28, were all hospitalised after a two-vehicle crash in Perth. The driver of the station wagon in which they had been travelling, Australian Marty Roberts, 56, died.

The couple’s other daughter Claire, who lives in Perth, yesterday said they were all devastated at the loss of their “dear friend” Marty who was doing a good deed dropping them home on the night.

Marty’s Dublin-born wife, Christina, was also injured in the crash. She is being cared for at home and doing well, said Ms Brosnan.

“We are happy to say that Karen and Mark, my partner, have both been able to go home and finish their recovery and, while they are both getting stronger, they have a long road ahead but are doing well,” she said.

“Dad has been getting stronger each day and I am amazed at his progress. He was transferred to the Fiona Stanley Hospital at the weekend and will begin his rehab in the next week.

“Mom has overcome all of her surgeries well and, once her bones heal a bit more, she will be going to the same hospital with Dad to begin her rehab.

“They are both fighters and every day I can see a little improvement which is all I can ask for.”

Mr Brosnan was in an induced coma for a few days after the crash and underwent surgery, while Mrs Brosnan suffered multiple fractures to her arms, legs and pelvis.

The driver of the other vehicle in the crash has been charged with drink-driving and dangerous driving, and is due to appear in court early next month.