Renowned Irish hurling star DJ Carey has pleaded guilty to faking a cancer diagnosis in order to solicit money from well-wishers, using a staged photo with an iPhone cable taped to his nose as part of the deception.
The 54-year-old sporting icon appeared in Dublin’s Criminal Courts of Justice this week, where he admitted to 10 counts of deception carried out between 2014 and 2022.
Carey is accused of convincing multiple individuals, including billionaire Denis O’Brien, to give him money under the false claim that he needed funds for cancer treatment.
Carey, hailed as one of the greatest hurlers in the history of the GAA, won five All-Ireland titles and nine All-Star awards during a 15-year inter-county career.
Following his retirement in 2006, he enjoyed celebrity status and was often seen at high-profile events, including a 2005 appearance alongside Tess Daly.
A now-viral photograph—reportedly sent to his victims—has resurfaced, showing Carey in what appears to be a hospital bed with tubes up his nose. Upon closer inspection, the “tubes” are revealed to be an iPhone charging cable, seemingly taped to his face in a crude attempt to simulate a medical condition.
According to court records, Carey used this fraudulent narrative to collect financial support over an eight-year period.
His legal team acknowledged that while he referenced cancer in his deception, Carey does suffer from legitimate health issues, including a heart condition for which he underwent surgery last year.
He continues to attend regular medical check-ups, and his defence has indicated that evidence from his surgeons can be provided if necessary.
The court specifically referenced the case involving Denis O’Brien, stating Carey induced the businessman to make a payment between January 2014 and late 2022.
Carey’s fall from grace has stunned the Irish public, particularly given his revered status in Gaelic sports.
Often dubbed the “Maradona of hurling,” Carey was known for his dazzling skill and scoring ability, with 34 goals and 195 points across 57 championship games.
