Update on Christmas reveller fighting for life after falling from cliff at Bronte Beach

The man who has been in critical condition after a fall of about 6m during Christmas celebrations at Bronte Beach has been identified as a young Irish tradie.

Cathal Canavan, a 24-year-old plumber, was attending a massive Christmas party at Sydney’s Bronte Beach with thousands of revellers when the incident occurred.

He was jumping off a cliff into a pool but “slipped and fell onto (a) hard surface” near Calga Pl about 4.30pm on Christmas Day, police said.

He suffered head injuries and was treated by paramedics at the beach before being airlifted to St Vincent’s Hospital.

Nearly two weeks later, he remains in an induced coma and continues to receive treatment in the ICU in Sydney.

His close friends and family have set up a donation page to support Canavan’s recovery, describing him as “extremely kind-hearted”.

“Fiercely loyal, he protects those close to him, and you know that he is always in your corner whenever you need,” the page reads.

“He is hardworking in his trade as a plumber and his mischievous laugh and smile are infectious.

“The funds raised from this page will go towards Cathal’s medical care, rehabilitation and will also support his parents Shane and Josie and his brother, Kieran, to ensure that they can stay close by his side in Sydney.”

The Irish Mirror reported that his family was expected to stay in Sydney for six to 12 months for his treatment.

“It’s desperate at the moment and the fact they got a call on Christmas Day from the hospital in Sydney, their whole world has been turned around,” Canavan’s aunt told the publication.

“They had to operate to save his life on Christmas Day but they think he’s out of danger now.

“It’s just a case of assessing the brain injury when he comes to. It’s a long waiting game,” she added.

According to the publication, Canavan moved to Australia in October last year to work as a plumber in Sydney, and he was “having the time of his life” in the city.

This year, the annual Christmas Day party at Bronte Beach attracted 15,000 people, according to Waverley City Council mayor Will Nemesh.

Residents have complained about rubbish and food scraps left behind by partygoers, with clean-up crews working overnight to clean up the mess.