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John Kierans

GAA legend being investigated for fraud checked into psychiatric hospital earlier this year

The GAA legend under investigation over a €2 million fraud signed himself into a psychiatric hospital earlier this year, we can reveal.

It is understood he spent a number of weeks receiving treatment for anxiety and depression as Gardai probed his affairs.

He went to live with a relative after he came out and is now residing in an apartment with a new girlfriend.

READ MORE - GAA legend being investigated for fraud insists he is innocent

A source said: "He is getting on happily with his life as if nothing has happened. He has been arrested and questioned by the Gardai but does not believe he will be prosecuted.

"He denies he did anything wrong and said that he borrowed from friends and acquaintances and intends to pay them back.

"He says he did everything in good faith and was not conning people. He intends to defend and clear his name."

However, it is believed the sportsman approached another GAA individual looking for a loan only six weeks ago.

The source added: "The fella involved told him he had no cash and couldn't do it. But with everything that has been going on he was shocked that he was approached in the first place. You would think your man would lie low."

It is believed up to 100 people gave him money after the star called them for help.

The sportsman claimed he needed the cash to pay for life-saving cancer treatment in America.

Gardai have been in contact with the hospitals in the United States and have yet to secure evidence that he was seriously ill or that his life was at risk.

The GAA legend was interviewed for 24 hours last February and a file was sent to the DPP.

No decision has been made by the DPP about charging him yet.

Detectives are continuing to interview people who have come forward and claim he conned them and owes them money.

The biggest single amount involved is understood to be €200,000 and the smallest €5,000.

The source added: "He is living his life as if nothing has happened. He is meeting and greeting people like he is invincible.

"Most people in his shoes would have left the country by now."

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