Former Ireland Hockey International Catriona Carey Charged with Money Laundering and Fraud

Former Ireland Hockey International and Camogie player Catriona Carey, 46, has appeared in court facing three-year money laundering charges.

Carey, from Graiguecullen, Carlow, was arrested along with two former business partners, John Steadmond and Patrick Maher, in connection with the alleged offences.

The charges relate to 25 victims, and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has directed that the case proceed to the higher Circuit Criminal Court for trial. Carey is accused of money laundering between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2021, involving Wise Europe bank accounts under Careysfort Asset Estates Limited. She allegedly used, converted, and handled funds, knowing or being reckless about whether the money was obtained through criminal activities.

Carey faces three charges for laundering money in 2019, 2020, and 2021. Detective Garda Ger Carmody from the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau provided evidence of Carey’s arrest at Kilmainham Garda Station at 9:05 a.m. on the day of the hearing. Carey, described as “a lady of means” who now qualifies for free legal aid, made no reply to the charges and was granted bail. She is scheduled to appear again in court on 31 January 2025.

John Steadmond, 47, of Rossminogue, Craanford in Gorey, is facing 18 charges

Steadmond, 47, faces 18 charges, including fraud and deception. He allegedly induced 20 victims to pay deposits under pretences, claiming that Careysfort Asset Estates could secure finance for distressed mortgage holders. Despite not being qualified, he is also accused of unlawfully acting as a solicitor. Steadmond was also remanded on bail, with his next hearing set for 31 January 2025.

Patrick Maher, 57, with an address at Glenmalure Gun Club, Glenmalure in Co Wicklow, also faces 24 similar charges

Patrick Maher, 57, faces 24 similar charges, including unlawfully acting as a solicitor and deceiving victims into paying refundable deposits for financial assistance. The alleged offences took place between July 2019 and August 2022, and Maher was also granted free legal aid and remanded to appear on 31 January 2025.

The three individuals face serious charges, and the case unfolds as further details emerge.