Fans at Croke Park react to DJ Carey’s name ahead of All-Ireland final

Former Kilkenny hurler DJ Carey pled guilty to 10 charges of fraud

Fans inside Croke Park made their feelings towards DJ Carey clear, as the former Kilkenny hurler was honoured at their 25-year jubilee.

Carey was not present at Croke Park for the celebrations of Kilkenny's 2000 All-Ireland win, but his name was read out by the GAA despite pressure from fans to refrain from mentioning him.

In the weeks before the All-Ireland final, there had been calls from cancer survivors for the the GAA not to pay tribute to Carey in the traditional celebrations for past All-Ireland winners.

When his name was read out, there were boos from the crowd, while some of his former team-mates stood awkwardly on the pitch in front of the arriving crowds at Croke Park.

Earlier this month, the legendary Kilkenny player pleaded guilty to 10 charges of defrauding individuals by falsely claiming he had cancer in order to obtain money.

Carey, a five-time All-Ireland champion, is regarded as one of the most successful and celebrated players in hurling history.

He admitted to dishonestly persuading people to give him money by fraudulently claiming he was suffering from cancer and needed funds for treatment. He was remanded on bail and is due to be sentenced on October 29th.

This year marked the 25th anniversary of Kilkenny’s All-Ireland win over Offaly in 2000, a contest in which Carey was man of the match.

Earlier this month, Carey’s ex-partner Sarah Newman spoke out about the scandal, insisting she had contacted Blackrock Garda to complain about Carey stealing from her, but  that this was never followed up by the police.

In a revealing interview with the Irish Independent, she states her belief that Carey’s subsequent fraudulent behaviour and lies could have stopped earlier.