The Dodger: DJ Carey and the Great Betrayal

by Eimear Ní Bhraonáin

There was a time when DJ Carey didn’t need a surname. The star player of a Kilkenny hurling team that dominated the sport for a decade, he had a rare, natural talent that led his county to five All Ireland titles and won him nine All Stars. DJ wasn’t just a hero on the pitch – his easy charm, generosity, and readiness to meet young fans made him a national treasure.

Throughout his meteoric rise, strange rumours followed him. In 2003, shocking claims that DJ was dying of cancer swept the country. Who would spread such a story about one of Ireland’s most beloved sporting legends? And what could possibly be gained from it?

Two decades later, the truth emerged. DJ Carey was arrested and charged with deception and forgery – accused of faking cancer to con money from those who trusted him most. For years, he had been telling the same lie to generous supporters who believed they were funding life-saving treatment in the U.S.

In this riveting exposé, Eimear Ní Bhraonáin uncovers the extraordinary fall from grace of a national icon, and how he betrayed the fans that once loved him.

Genres: Audiobook, Sports

298 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 30, 2025

Reviews

[Caoimhe Galligan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was interested in the story behind The Dodger but unfortunately the book didn’t really work for me.
Not being a huge hurling fan may not have helped but my main issue wasn’t the sport itself. I found that many chapters seemed to repeat the same points again and again. There was a lot of “he said” and “she said,” with many sources remaining unnamed which made much of the earlier material feel circumstantial rather than solidly evidenced.
While the central crime at the end is obviously serious and disturbing the long lead up chapters felt drawn out and repetitive. I kept hoping for deeper insight into the crime not a story about how amazing DJ was. It often felt like the same ideas were being revisited without adding much new.
In the end despite being curious about the story I just didn’t enjoy the reading experience

[Gina Lawlor Barron · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely devoured this book and could not put it down. It is such a riveting and eye opening story. I went through so many emotions while reading. I would highly recommend and you don’t need to be a hurling fan to read it.

[Wullie Mc · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Non hurling fans will enjoy it as it is, at its heart, a human story. I choose it as a hurling fan and also as a DJ fan. It really stirs up the emotions. DJ was a fantastic hurler but boy what a fall from grace.
The book is extremely well written. I couldn't put it down. If I have one criticism it is that in chapter 13 the author offers a little bit of an attempt to explain DJs motivation for his scamming but its really not enough. I would have liked more expert opinion.
And a couple of little niggles that probably wont bother others; some photos, definitely an index and less use of the term " this author". For some reason, every time I saw that I cringed. 😀
I read recently that DJ has been moved onto the same wing as The Kinahans in prison. That could be interesting 🤔

[Cathy Power · Rating 5 out of 5]

She manages to make a book full of facts and statistics a page-turner. It's evidence of extensive research and what must have been hundreds of interviews.
You don't have to be a hurling fan to be fascinated by this story.

[Paul Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wild!

[Cian Dalton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Riveting stuff. Incredible to think about the amount of lies that he told.

[Dan Faughnan · Rating 5 out of 5]

my perfect travel companion backpacking through Vietnam

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extremely compelling story told forensically and clearly. Some of the sums are eye watering and the sheer gall of Carey is staggering.

[Andriú Cregan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deece👌 he’d peel an orange in his pocket that fella

[Sarah Mcgrath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping story of lies and greed. You don't have to be a hurling fan to enjoy this book.

[Maurice Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I knew the story well - very enjoyable to read. An enigma - what next?

[Sean Cooney · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well researched and truly sad story of greed and betrayal exposed.
The lowest form of theft and deception from a hurling talent that enthralled us through many All-Ireland campaigns.

[Barbara Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read, shocking insight into his scamming

[Little miss Jackie vampire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't fully understand this case but this book opened my eyes. The book was well balanced just a pity such a great Hurler will always be remembered as a fraud.