THE family of David Keohane, the Irishman who remains in an induced coma following a savage beating after leaving the Coogee Bay Hotel, have taken their son home in a specially modified aircraft.

Mr Keohane, 29, has been in a critical condition in Prince of Wales Hospital since the attack about 2.30am on August 10. His parents, three sisters and a brother had flown from their home in County Cork to be at his bedside, and to appeal for information about the assault.

The family flew back to Ireland on Monday in a commercial aircraft modified to take a hospital bed and staff to care for the patient.

"It is a very sad time," said a police spokesman, Paul Pisanos. "The prognosis is not good for David, and his family will seek further medical opinion upon their return."

There was a "very substantial cost" involved in flying Mr Keohane home, which was borne by the family, the spokesman said. "I think the family believed the decision to leave the country was the best thing.

"They all left their lives back in Ireland [to be with David]."

A Prince of Wales spokeswoman would not comment on Mr Keohane's condition as he left the hospital, saying the family had requested privacy.

Mr Keohane's father, Tom, said: "On behalf of David and my family, I would like to thank everyone for being so supportive during this traumatic time."

Police have released a photo of Mr Keohane taken just before the attack. They want to speak to two young Pacific Islander men captured by security cameras and seen by residents in the area about the time of the attack.

Anyone with information can phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Maroubra police on 9349 9299.