On July 4, several British and Irish news outlets including The Irish Times reported that Denis Joseph Carey pleaded guilty to 10 out of 21 charges related to fraud.
The former hurling superstar had claimed to be undergoing cancer treatment, using this fabricated story to solicit donations from fans, friends, and even high-profile business figures.
Hurling, a fast-paced sport played with sticks and a small ball, holds deep cultural significance in Ireland.
Denis Joseph Carey was once considered the “Maradona of hurling,” a key player for Kilkenny during the 1990s and early 2000s.
His accolades include nine All-Star awards and the title of “Player of the Year” in 2000.
However, following his retirement, Carey suffered a series of failed business ventures in hygiene and hospitality sectors, reportedly accumulating over £7.3 million (approximately ₩13.6 billion) in debt.
To cover his financial struggles, he began deceiving his inner circle and fans, claiming he needed funds for cancer treatment from as early as 2014 until 2022.
In an especially disturbing revelation, Carey used doctored images to bolster his lie.
One widely circulated photo, intended to show him hospitalized and using an oxygen tube, actually featured an iPhone charging cable inserted into his nostrils. This image quickly went viral online, becoming both a meme and a symbol of betrayal.
Prosecutors disclosed that among the scam’s victims was billionaire businessman Denis O’Brien.
Carey reportedly used fake medical documents and emotionally manipulative tactics to win sympathy and donations.
While Carey’s legal team stated he was never diagnosed with cancer, they cited his recent heart surgery and struggles with mental health in a plea for leniency.
Carey is currently out on bail and is expected to be sentenced in October, following his admission of guilt, potentially without a full trial.