4 days ago
Inside the life and career of DJ Carey as GAA star pleads guilty to fraud
Former hurling star DJ Carey pleaded guilty to 10 counts of defrauding a number of people out of money while faking a cancer diagnosis.
The former Kilkenny left-wing forward was set to stand trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on Wednesday, but Dominic McGinn SC, prosecuting, indicated a jury would not be required and Carey would be entering guilty pleas.
Carey entered guilty pleas to dishonestly inducing people to pay him money after he wrongfully claimed to have cancer and needed money for his treatment. Former hurling star DJ Carey pleaded to 10 counts of defrauding a number of people out of money while faking a cancer diagnosis. Pic: Collins Courts
As the former hurler awaits his sentencing later in the year, take a look inside the sporting career and personal life of the 54-year-old fraudster.
DJ has three bothers and three sisters — one of which is Catriona Carey — with the whole family steeping in Kilkenny GAA.
The Kilkenny man shares two children — Michael and Sean — with his ex-wife Christine. The pair wed in the 90s and enjoyed seven years of marriage before their split in 2003. DJ Carey with his ex-wife Christine in 2000. Pic: Damien Eagers/Sportsfile
DJ was later in a romantic relationship with former Dragon Den star Sarah Newman with the pair engaged to marry — but the wedding was subsequently called off. Last year, Sarah married millionaire Henry Digby, the Baron of Offaly at St Andrew's Church in Dorset. DJ Carey and Sarah Newman. Pic: Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland
Like many young fellas, DJ took up hurling in his primary school days, and went on to play for both the Minor and Senior Kilkenny teams.
He made his Senior debut during the 1988-89 National League, lining out in goal for Kilkenny on February 19, 1989. He was later switched to an outfield position, becoming one of the best hurlers of his time.
Amongst his accolades, DJ won five All Ireland Senior Hurling Championships — one of which he captained Kilkenny — as well as ten Leinster Senior Championships.
He won 9 All-Star Awards as well as two Hurler of the Year awards. Like many young fellas, DJ Carey took up hurling in his primary school days, and went onto play for both the Minor and Senior Kilkenny teams. Pic: INPHO/Billy Stickland
The county player retired from hurling in 2006, but later returned to the sport in a managerial capacity. His first post was with the Institute of Technology, Carlow (now South Eas Technological University) with the college team making it to the final fo their first ever Fitzgibbon Cup. They lost to reigning champions, Mary Immacute College. DJ Carey managing IT Carlow. Pic: Seb Daly/Sportsfile
DJ Carey also fulfilled duties for the Leinster inter-provincial team; the Kilkenny U-21 team as well as the Kilkenny senior hurling team where he was a selector under Brian Cody.
He left the gig in January 2021.
In 2023, it was unveiled that DJ scammed 23 people to donate funds to him after he fraudulently claimed he needed the money for cancer treatment.
Amongst the charges were 19 of deception and two charges for using false instruments between 2014 and 2022.
At the time, DJ denied all charges with a trial date set for Wednesday, July 2, 2025.
Following confirmation that the former hurling star would be entering guilty pleas, he was remanded on continuing bail with his sentencing hearing due for October 29.
