Former Sports Hero Pleads Guilty to Scamming Thousands, Including Billionaire Denis O’Brien
DUBLIN, IRELAND — DJ Carey, once hailed as a national hurling icon, has admitted in court to fabricating a cancer diagnosis in order to defraud multiple victims of thousands of euros—including Irish billionaire Denis O’Brien. The 54-year-old sports legend pleaded guilty to 10 counts of deception at Dublin’s Criminal Courts of Justice, The Metro reported.
The shocking revelation has rocked Ireland’s sports community and sparked national outrage. Carey, revered for his achievements in hurling, now faces sentencing on October 29.
A Shocking Scam: iPhone Cord Masqueraded as Oxygen Tube
Between 2014 and 2022, Carey posed as a cancer patient and solicited money under false pretenses from acquaintances and the public. One image, widely circulated in court and media, allegedly shows Carey lying in bed with an iPhone charging cable taped under his nose to resemble an oxygen tube—part of the deceit designed to win sympathy and funds.
Originally charged with 21 counts of fraud, Carey ultimately pleaded guilty to 10, avoiding a lengthy trial that would have involved 28 prosecution witnesses.
Sporting Glory and Financial Controversy
Widely considered hurling’s first modern superstar, Carey’s decorated career includes five All-Ireland titles and nine All-Star awards. However, financial troubles have long shadowed his success. In 2011, he was ordered to repay £7.3 million to Allied Irish Bank—only to have that debt controversially reduced to £51,000 in 2018.
The Irish Times confirmed that while Carey suffers from serious heart-related conditions, none are related to cancer.
“One of the Most Disturbing Sports Scandals in Irish History”
Carey, who remains free on bail until sentencing, is now being compared to disgraced Australian wellness influencer Belle Gibson, who faked a cancer diagnosis for fame and financial gain. Gibson was later fined over $400,000 AUD for her deception.
“This case represents one of the most disturbing falls from grace in Irish sports history,” legal analysts have said, with some calling for stricter oversight when public figures solicit donations on personal grounds.
Public Reaction and Legal Outlook
Carey’s legal team acknowledged his health issues and past financial hardships. The judge noted that the case not only involved financial deception but also exploited public sympathy for serious illness.
His sentencing on October 29 is expected to be closely watched. Legal experts suggest that while Carey’s cooperation may earn him leniency, the gravity of the deception—especially given his public stature—could result in a significant custodial sentence.