He was one of the greatest hurlers Ireland has ever produced — a sporting icon, a hero, a name that stood for excellence and pride. But behind that public image was a deception that would shock the country and devastate those who trusted him. That hurler is, of course, DJ Carey, and in this episode, I’m joined by journalist Eimear Ní Bhraonáin to discuss her book The Dodger: DJ Carey and The Great Betrayal. Together, we unpack how one of Ireland’s most celebrated sports stars became the centre of a long-running con, the psychology behind the deception, and the investigative work that finally brought the truth to light.

We talk about the victims, ordinary people who believed they were helping someone they admired, and the deep sense of betrayal and disbelief that followed. This is a conversation about power, manipulation, and how charisma and status can blind even the most careful among us.

Links

• Eimear's book 🧨
• My new thriller How It Falls Apart out now 🧨
• Dark Finds Podcast IG 👀
• Patreon 🙌🏼
• Dark Finds IG 💀
• Dark Finds YouTube Channel 🎬
• Dark Finds Book 📖

Takeaways

• DJ Carey was a celebrated hurling player in Ireland.
• His story is a mix of triumph and tragedy.
• Eimear's background in journalism shaped her investigation.
• The psychology of con artists reveals complex motivations.
• Victims of DJ's scams often felt deep betrayal.
• The investigation into DJ's actions was extensive and revealing.
• Contradictions in DJ's life raised suspicions over time.
• The emotional impact on victims was profound and lasting.
• DJ's lack of contrition raises questions about accountability.
• The book serves as a cautionary tale about trust and deception.

Keywords

DJ Carey, Eimear, con artist, betrayal, psychology, victims, investigation, hurling, Ireland, sports, conman, news, crime, true crime.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Beneath Ireland’s rolling hills, beneath its rivers, stone circles, fairy forts and ancient mounds, there are stories as old as human history, stories of supernatural forces, creation and destruction, wisdom and transformation. Stories that once shaped who we were…and may still shape who we are becoming.

Today, I’m joined by journalist and the creator of Mythical Ireland, Anthony Murphy for a deep dive into the hidden world of Irish mythology. We explore the origins of Ireland’s ancient stories, how Christian monks preserved and reshaped them, and why sites like Newgrange, which is older than the pyramids, still hold such power over the imagination.

We also delve into deities like the Cailleach, Cú Chulainn, the legendary Salmon of Knowledge, and what modern society may have lost by drifting away from its ancient rites of passage and sacred storytelling. This is a conversation about identity, and the soul of a nation, which seems to be diluting more and more as modernity forges on. At the heart of this conversation is the story of Ireland.

Links

• Mythical Ireland website
• My new thriller How It Falls Apart out now 🧨
• Dark Finds Podcast IG 👀
• Patreon 🙌🏼
• Dark Finds IG 💀
• Dark Finds YouTube Channel 🎬
• Dark Finds Book 📖

Takeaways

• Anthony Murphy has been a journalist for over 30 years.
• Mythical Ireland was established in March 2000.
• Irish mythology is less known compared to Greek and Norse mythology.
• The origins of Irish mythology are intertwined with biblical narratives.
• Newgrange is over 5,000 years old and aligned with the winter solstice.
• The Kalyak is an ancient deity associated with creation myths.
• The Salmon of Knowledge is a significant tale in Irish mythology.
• Irish myths often reflect the relationship between humans and nature.
• The preservation of Irish mythology is crucial for cultural identity.
• Modern society has lost touch with traditional rites of passage.

Keywords

Irish mythology, Anthony Murphy, Newgrange, ancient deities, folklore, Celtic history, oral tradition, mythology preservation, sacred sites, cultural heritage, Cú Chulainn, Tír na nÓg, ancient Ireland, Irish history.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode, I'm joined by Father David Vard, a Kildare native and one of Ireland’s youngest priests, who graduated seminary at just 25. Father David speaks openly about his journey to the priesthood, emphasizing the importance of faith and God in navigating life and expressing a willingness to embrace his beliefs, regardless of external judgment. With rare candour, Father David opens up about the loneliness he sometimes feels, the vow of celibacy and addresses criticism head-on, including being willing to be judged or ridiculed for his convictions. This is a conversation about spirituality as a personal journey, about growth through belief, and about the gift.

Links

My new thriller How It Falls Apart out now 🧨

Dark Finds Podcast IG 👀

Patreon 🙌🏼

Dark Finds IG 💀

Dark Finds YouTube Channel 🎬

Dark Finds Book 📖

Takeaways

David believes in a God who loves and cares for us.

He feels that God is evident in creation and our lives.

Faith provides guidance that individuals cannot achieve alone.

David is open to criticism regarding his beliefs.

He values personal connection with the divine.

Belief in God can lead to personal growth and understanding.

David's faith shapes his worldview and decisions.

He encourages others to embrace their beliefs.

Criticism of faith should not deter personal convictions.

Spirituality is a personal journey that varies for everyone.

Keywords

faith, divine guidance, belief, spirituality, personal growth, God, creation, love, criticism, self-discovery, Christian, Catholic.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.