Irish backpacker dies after Coogee bashing

A 23-year-old backpacker died in hospital overnight after he was bashed in the Sydney suburb of Coogee on the weekend.  

Irishman Gearoid Walsh had been out drinking with his brother on Sunday night when he got into an argument with a man who punched him, causing Walsh to fall and hit his head on the ground, said NSW Police.

“This is a sad incident for the family. Gearoid only arrived in Australia a month ago on a working visa and had been spending time between his brother’s house in Brisbane and his sister in Randwick,” said Detective Inspector Paul Simpkins.

Police would like to interview a man captured on CCTV footage who they believe can help with their investigations. He is described as being 25-30 years old, average build, 75kg, 175cm tall, short brown slightly curly hair, clean shaven, round face, White/European wearing a white V-neck T-shirt and jeans.

By Alice Terlikowski  ·  October 30th, 2009 at 10:59 am

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Comments


  1. verika
    30 Oct 09
    11:52 pm

    2. It is very sad that this young man has passed away. My sympathies to his
    Mother and family. She presented such a dignified and forgiving talk on
    TV this evening, it was humbling to listen to. She is obviously an extremely
    honourable woman with a noble heart.

    I guess the outcome would have been very different for everyone involved in
    this very sad case, if and when young people get to a stage where it is
    obvious that they are becoming incapable of tolerating any further alcohol and that it may impact on their good judgement, that those serving drinks could exercise caution in continuing to serve them.

    Let us all hope, parents and citizens alike that something constructive is
    put in place to restrict the number of drinks that young people are allowed
    to purchase and for those serving to become more aware of their state,
    and rather than placing all the emphasis on sales, that we take due
    care with our young people.

    May this young Irish man Rest In Peace and may strength and peace return
    to his family.

    Also I hope that the man that has given himself up for questioning by police
    will do some good with his life when eventually he has received and served whatever the law dictates him. Maybe he could petition the government to
    change the drinking laws in NSW. He has obviously learned the hard way
    what damage non responsible alcohol distribution can do.

    May his family too find some Peace in their lives.

    And in time may both families move on with their lives and never again
    have to experience such a devastating incident that has put two mothers
    in a place that they should never have had to go.

  2. what a shame
    2 Nov 09
    2:11 pm

    3. Just a quick update on that note verika: It appears the man who punched that poor guy was acting in self defence.

    This doesn’t change anything as to what you wisely said of course, just thought I’d mention it as we usually assume (in fights anyways) that the deceased is the victim, in this case, it appears the deceased was the one breaking drinking laws and being the violent one.

    My thoughts are with his poor mother and family regardless.

    Second lesson to take from all this: Travellers please watch what you drink and please behave as you would in your own country, respecting our laws and our community.

    Have a great time while here!

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