‘It’s just unthinkable’

A Cork man living in Australia has said a ripple of horror and disbelief has swept the country following last Sunday’s mass shooting on Bondi beach.

Jason O’Reilly from Grange, Cork city, who had recently visited the world famous Sydney beach, said the massacre has ended the year with “deep sadness for everyone”.

“I was only there recently myself, and to think something like this could happen in such happy place - it's just unthinkable,” said Mr O’Reilly.

On Sunday evening, two gunmen believed to be father and son opened fire on a Jewish celebration taking place on the beach. With 16 confirmed deaths, including one of the gunmen, and at least 40 people injured, the attack marks one of the deadliest shootings in Australia’s history.

It comes just 20 months after a mass knife attack in the Westfield Bondi Junction shopping centre in which six people were killed on 13 April 2024.

“It's stunned people as not even a year ago there was an incident with the Bondi Junction stabbings. People are in disbelief that this has happened, it's truly horrible,” said Mr O’Reilly.

He continued: “This violence is a complete flip on what this place stands for.

“It's a place for gatherings, socialising, and community.

“I think that's why the area was chosen, not once but twice; it's an attack on what it represents. It's disgusting to see this happen.”

In the wake of the attack, the Australian government has acted quickly with state leaders gathering on Monday to discuss the immediate strengthening of gun laws across the nation.

Sydney, and Bondi beach in particular, are world famous for their Christmas celebrations but following Sunday’s incident, it is uncertain whether locals and tourists will flock to the beach on Christmas Day as is usually tradition.

“I don't think the Australian people will let a place so significant be dampened in spirit. Bondi will feel the same again, but an event like this will never be forgotten,” said Mr O’Reilly.

“I'm not entirely sure what way it will go; there's definitely anger right now more than anything. I can see a lot of frustration and dread of what this means more so than fear, but I don't think it will be long before the Australian sense of community overpowers anger and fear. It's a credit to their mindset; Aussies do band together very well and lift each other up.

“Hate has no place in Australia,” he added.