The GAA legend being investigated for fraud hasn’t worked in years, we can reveal.
Close friends claim he was funding his lavish lifestyle with the money he allegedly raised under false pretences to pay for cancer treatment that he never actually had. It is understood he spent much of his time golfing and going on GAA-related trips and freebies all over the country and to many parts of the world.
But he also lived in the lap of luxury with homes at the poshest addresses in Ireland. The one-time player funded his lifestyle for the last 10 years with money he received from other people which ranged from €100,000 to €150,000 a year.
Read more: GAA legend is believed to have conned over €1 million off donors
A source who was regularly in his company said: “This guy saw himself as an elite athlete. He was basically a full-time professional GAA player and did nothing else until he retired.
“He might have dabbled in some unsuccessful businesses but the truth is he never actually did a day’s work, as we know it, in his life. All this money using the false cancer story was raised purely to finance his lifestyle, nothing else.
“He used all the cash to pay the bills and then he was robbing Peter to pay Paul. He loved the high life, lived in the big house, drove the fast cars and went to the best restaurants and hotels. He went on holidays to places like America and Mauritius.
“He no more had treatment for cancer than I did and he had no problem playing on people’s genuine sympathy. The man didn’t have a gambling problem and the idea he would throw thousands on a horse is just nonsense. He spent the cash on himself.
“I don’t remember him ever really working.”
The GAA legend has been in hospital receiving treatment for mental health issues since details of the scandal emerged last weekend.
A relative said they are concerned for his safety and he is under huge pressure. Gardai are continuing to contact people who gave money for his supposed treatment.
The player first claimed he had cancer in the blood and needed life-saving treatment a decade ago. sIt is also known some of the richest people in the country who golfed with him at corporate and charity events also gave him large sums of cash.
One of the victims of the alleged scam said last night: “Everyone feels let down and cheated.”
The sums involved in the suspected fraud are now believed to have risen well above €1million.
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