Former Irish Sports Star DJ Carey Jailed 5.5 Years for £350,000 Fake Cancer Fraud

DJ Carey, a former Irish hurling star renowned for winning five All-Ireland titles and nine All-Star awards, has been sentenced to five and a half years in prison for defrauding nearly €400,000 by falsely claiming to have cancer. Carey exploited the goodwill of friends, family, and fans, including billionaire Denis O'Brien, who gave him substantial financial aid and support. Judge Martin Nolan described the crime as "reprehensible," highlighting that unlike typical frauds appealing to greed, Carey preyed on the good nature of his victims who wanted to help someone in need. Despite Carey’s guilty pleas, the judge noted the difficulty in understanding his motivations and expressed that Carey’s public reputation has been irreparably damaged, though he has no prior convictions. Carey stood expressionless during sentencing and is expected to face a challenging life post-release. The case has shocked the sporting community, given Carey's status as a once-idolized figure in Irish sports.