GAA legend at centre of cancer scam allegedly ‘conned’ lovers out of money – including inheritance

It is understood one woman gave him money out of inheritance she had received while another gave much of her life savings to him.

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• 11:30, 6 AUG 2023
• Updated11:46, 6 AUG 2023

The GAA legend under investigation for faking cancer and obtaining cash under false pretences also allegedly conned a number of women he dated out of money.

The Romeo sportsman is believed to have enticed cash out of several women he was romantically involved with over the past decade after he split from a long-term famous lover.

It is understood one woman gave him money out of inheritance she had received while another gave much of her life savings to him.

Like all the alleged victims, it’s claimed he told them he needed the money to pay for cancer treatment in America.

He also stuck to his original story that he had cancer in the blood.

Gardai believe the one-time household name racked up at least €1 million in cash from between 50 to 100 friends and associates from the cancer scam

Many of these people have now come forward and made statements of complaint to the Gardai.

A source who knows some of the victims and has spoken to them said: “There is a large number of women involved, most of whom were former girlfriends.

“You are talking about at least ten women and possibly even more. Some were reluctant to come forward and talk because they were far too embarrassed that they fell for his charms.

“He persuaded some of them to give him money, including one who handed over most of her inheritance to him.

“One or two of these women will go public and speak out at some stage.”

The star denies he did anything wrong and insists that he was diagnosed with a type of blood cancer.

He was arrested and questioned by gardaí but no charges have been preferred against him yet.

It is understood that detectives have been checking out hospitals in America where he supposedly had treatment. Gardai won’t say if officers have actually flown to America as part of the probe.

A Garda spokesman said: “This is an ongoing investigation. There is no further update at this time.”

It is believed the sports star is back home living in his native county and is carrying on as if life is normal.