Denis O’Brien says he feels “no malice” towards DJ Carey, even though he was one of the many people deceived by the former Kilkenny hurler. O’Brien spoke to gardaí about the fraud and said he still feels “fond” of Carey. He also hopes the retired star “gets the help he needs”.
As reported in the Irish Independent, Carey was jailed last week for five-and-a-half years. He pleaded guilty to lying about a cancer diagnosis to gain money. The deception lasted for almost a decade. During that time, Carey told friends, acquaintances and public figures that he was seriously ill. As a result, 22 people gave him nearly €400,000.
O’Brien was one of the victims. He told gardaí he had been deceived for eight years. During that period, he offered Carey much more than cash. He gave him accommodation, a car, employment and regular personal support. O’Brien believed he was helping someone who was fighting for his life. He said he acted out of care and concern, with no idea that the illness was fabricated.
The case has shocked the public. Carey had long been seen as one of the greatest hurlers of his generation. Therefore, the scale of the fraud has raised questions about trust and vulnerability. It has also led to wider conversations about the pressures athletes may face after retirement.
Even with all of this, O’Brien says he holds no resentment. He remains focused on the hope that Carey will get proper support as he serves his sentence. His response stands out, especially given the depth of the deception and the impact it had on so many people.
