The Irishman who was savagely beaten outside a bar in the Australian capital Sydney has emerged from a coma.
John Counihan (23), from Mallow, Co Cork was attacked outside the Royal Hotel in Bondi Beach on September 22nd.
It is believed that a group of men attacked him after an argument over a game of pool. The men punched him to the ground before kicking and stomping on him repeatedly.
After the attack he was taken to Saint Vincent's Hospital in Sydney where he underwent emergency brain surgery.
Mr Counihan had travelled to Australia five months ago to spend a year in the country.
His girlfriend, Pamela, joined him a month ago and they were living in a residence in an area known as Coogee, which he shared with other Irish nationals.
Mr Counihan has been in a medically induced coma in the intensive care unit but has now been moved to a general ward.
Chaplain to Sydney's Irish Community, Fr Tom Devereux, outlined his condition.
"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," said the priest.
Fr Devereux said that the Cork Association in Sydney is now planning a fundraising drive to pay for John's expenses, including rent at his accommodation in Australia.
His sisters, Trisha and Mary, had flown to Australia to be at their brother's bedside, with his girlfriend Pamela Scannell.
It is understood that Mr Counihan will undergo further tests at the hospital.
Police have not interviewed him yet.
A police spokesman said yesterday that inquiries "are still continuing and we are still looking for the three men".
John Counihan travelled to Australia in April after taking time out from working at Liscarroll Milk Tanks.