New RTÉ series to tell story of DJ Carey from hurling hero to convicted fraudster
A new RTÉ documentary series will tell the story of the rise and fall of hurling legend DJ Carey over two hour-long episodes on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.
Starting next Monday, November 24, at 9.35pm, DJ Carey: The Dodger charts the rise of the Kilkenny hurling legend and his dramatic fall from grace, which led to him pleading guilty in court to scamming people out of large amounts of money by pretending to have cancer.
A hurling protégé who became a GAA icon, DJ Carey’s speed, skill and grace surpassed all expectations and led him to be widely considered the greatest hurler in living memory.
DJ Carey: The Dodger, made by from Fine Point Films, explores how a man lauded internationally and recognised by his initials finds himself pleading guilty to defrauding people of hundreds of thousands of euros by falsely claiming to have cancer.
Featuring never-before-seen footage of DJ Carey and interviews with victims, sports journalists, and those who know him best, RTE said the documentary "uncovers a complex narrative of charisma, ambition, and betrayal".
The series is directed by Trevor Birney and told with the help of journalist Eimear Ní Bhraonáin who has been following DJ Carey's story for years.
Mr Birney said: “DJ Carey’s rise and fall is one of the most extraordinary stories we’ve ever told. It’s a story of trust and betrayal; a story of a man who was idolised not just in his home county but throughout the island which he used without sympathy to prey on his victims.
"This series was made possible by the courage of those who came forward and the reality is we know there are many more victims out there who suffered as a result of the actions of DJ Carey.”
RTÉ Commissioning Editor for Documentaries and Features Gráinne McAleer said: “'It's good to be working again with Trevor Birney, and Jim O'Hagan from Fine Point Films and with Kilkenny-based journalist Eimear Ní Bhraonáin.
"This film looks at the remarkable career of a sporting legend but also really explores how fame can distort reality and the devastating consequences for all those involved. We are very grateful to those who took part and shared their stories on camera for the first time.”
The new series DJ Carey: The Dodger starts Monday, November 24, at 9.35pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player