DJ Carey was the most recognised hurler in the country, and on Monday, many were keen to see the disgraced sportsman as he was sentenced for defrauding nearly €400,000 from more than 20 people while pretending to have cancer
DJ Carey is used to being the centre of attention. For years, many packed into Croke Park or Kilkenny’s Nowlan Park to catch a glimpse of Ireland’s best hurler in action.
After all, his slick stick skills were something to behold, and he was loved and adored throughout the country. On Monday, Carey found himself being the centre of attention once again.
This time, however, the spectators, who had gathered, looked on in disgust as the hurler was sentenced for defrauding nearly €400,000 from more than 20 people while pretending to have cancer, reports the Irish Mirror.
Judge Martin Nolan was set to deliver his ruling at 1 pm. But Courtroom Five was thronged from early morning.
Usually, there is ample space for journalists and spectators. Earlier today, it was difficult to move. Many were wedged into the brown wooden benches that populate the body of the courtroom.
Some opted to sit on the floor while others stood. Along the perimeter wall of the court, many stood shoulder to shoulder – in the same way Carey used to ahead of a Kilkenny match.
Shortly after 1.05pm, the court clerk proclaimed, “Denis Joseph Carey.” Everybody simultaneously looked to the dock. Carey emerged and went to take his seat.
Judge Nolan proclaimed: “Stand up, Mr Carey”. The 5ft 9 disgraced sports star wore a purple suit jacket, a navy blue shirt, along with black slacks and black shoes.
He stood straight, his arms crossed in front of him. Everybody was fixated on him. He didn’t flinch or look around. Instead, he remained laser-focused on Nolan as the judge delivered his lengthy ruling.
He remained emotionless even after being sentenced to five and a half years. For once, he didn’t look like the cat that got the cream. Shortly afterward, several prison officers escorted him back to the cells.
As the door closed, his reputation and star-like status were shattered once and for all. The court was adjourned for lunch, and people began to dissipate.
An older woman who was in Dublin for the day decided to pop in to catch a glimpse of Carey with her brother. As she exited the court, she could be heard saying, “It’s a very sad day.”
Others were shocked at the sentence – some thought he deserved longer, while others were surprised he got as long as he did. No victims or members of the investigating team spoke to the media in the immediate aftermath.
Such was the interest in this case that a taxi driver who picked me up from outside the CCJ immediately asked, “Well, what did Carey get?” after I got in.
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