The family of a backpacker who awoke from a seven-month coma has credited Australian nun Mary MacKillop with his miracle recovery.
Irishman David Keohane was the victim of a vicious street bashing in Coogee last August which left him with serious brain injuries and needing facial reconstructive surgery.
He first showed signs of consciousness on St Patrick's Day when he opened his eyes, and is now able to communicate.
Mr Keohane's family covered his Prince of Wales Hospital room with paraphernalia dedicated to MacKillop during his time at the Randwick hospital before he was transported in a specially-modified Qantas jet, the Daily Telegraph reports.
A friend of Mr Keohane's said the family was delighted with his recovery.
"They are thanking Mary MacKillop for his recovery because all the prayers were sent to her," Seamus Collins, who used to play Gaelic football with Mr Keohane, was quoted as saying by the Telegraph.
Mr Keohane, 29, had been living in Australia for four years when he was assaulted while walking home on August 9 last year.
His injuries were so severe that it took police two days to identify him.
Mr Keohane is expected to remain in hospital in his native Cork for a few more months.
His alleged attacker, 20-year-old Thomas Isaako, has been charged with attempted murder and is due to appear in court in May.
Front page
RSS Feed