Pretended to Be a Cancer Patient for About 8 Years
Boasted a Stellar Career as 'Hurling Player of the Year'
Tried Various Businesses but Faced Repeated Failures
A hero of Irish sports has stood trial for a shocking fraud involving a 'fake illness.' The photo he sent to fans of himself with a 'nostril charger' caused much distress among his supporters, but it was ultimately revealed to be a staged act intended to deceive them.
On July 4, international media outlets including The Sun reported that Dennis Joseph Kerry (54), once the biggest star in hurling, recently admitted to ten counts of fraud in a local court, including pretending to have cancer in order to solicit donations from fans. Hurling, a traditional Irish sport, is a ball game played with sticks. Each team consists of 15 players, and points are scored by striking the ball with a stick and sending it through the opponent's goal.
From 2014 to 2022, Kerry pretended to be a cancer patient for about eight years in order to receive financial support. He even went so far as to send photos to victims showing himself lying down with an iPhone charger inserted into his nostril, furthering the deception. This photo has since spread rapidly across various online communities and social media, becoming a meme and subject of ridicule. It has been confirmed that he received money from prominent figures, including Irish billionaire businessman Denis O'Brien and former hurling player Larry O'Gorman. The exact amount of damages has not yet been disclosed.
Kerry debuted in 1988 and went on to become one of the greatest players in the history of hurling, a traditional Irish sport. He boasts a stellar career, including five All-Ireland Championship wins, nine All-Star awards, and being named Hurling Player of the Year in 2000. His fall from grace, earning him the nickname 'the Maradona of hurling,' has come as a major shock to fans. After retiring in 2006, he tried his hand at various businesses, including hygiene product distribution and hotel supply, but failed repeatedly. In 2011, he was ordered to repay 7.3 million pounds (approximately 13.6 billion won) to Allied Irish Banks, plunging him into severe financial distress. In court, Kerry's attorney argued that he underwent heart surgery last year and is currently struggling with mental health issues. Kerry is currently out on bail. The remaining eleven charges against him are scheduled to be heard in court on October 29.
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