Gardaí probe alleged fraud incidents involving ex-Ireland hockey star Catriona Carey

An RTÉ Investigates documentary highlighted how a number of people in financial difficulties claimed the Kilkenny businesswoman conned them out of thousands of euro through a mortgage scheme that offered to buy debt from their lender at a discount.

Gardaí in Carlow are currently dealing with complaints from suspected victims and carrying out enquiries.

Carey was convicted of fraud in February 2020 after altering a cheque she received from a client who had hired her as his accountant. She made the cheque for €6,948 payable to her and cashed it at a bank in Kilkenny.

She received an eight-month suspended sentence.

Now gardaí are investigating allegations she was involved in a mortgage scam which may have impacted at least 18 people.

Carey trained as an accountant and is director and owner of Careysfort Asset Estates Ltd, a company which is registered in England.

Through this firm she claimed she could help those in financial distress by clearing their debt and enabling them to stay in their homes by securing a new loan from Careysfort.

Carey wanted a deposit up front, asking clients for between 10pc and 30pc of the proposed new loan. However, many of the deals never materialised and they have not received their deposits back.

When asked to comment on the allegations, she said her company had funds to “cover all clients’ deposits”, but added: “We are not advised to refund clients at this point.”

Carey previously played hockey for Ireland and camogie for Kilkenny. She is the sister of hurling legend DJ Carey, who did not wish to comment when contacted.

A spokesperson for Hockey Ireland said: “As the subject of the RTÉ Investigates programme did not relate to Catriona Carey’s involvement with playing hockey nor any dealings she may have had with Hockey Ireland, we have no comment on the matter.”