Money laundering trial of former hockey star set down for 2027

By Natasha Reid

The money laundering trial of former Ireland hockey international Caitriona Carey is expected to last four to six weeks and will go ahead in January 2027 before Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

The 47-year-old, with an address at Rochford Manor, Graiguecullen, Co. Carlow, is charged with three offences contrary to Section 7 of the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act 2010, one over a 12-month period in 2019, one in 2020 and one in 2021.

It is alleged that in each case, she engaged in converting / transferring / handling / acquiring / possessing / using the proceeds of criminal conduct.

All three counts related to funds in a bank account in the name, Careysfort Asset Estates Ltd at Wise Europe SA.

Ms Carey appeared before Judge Orla Crowe today, when her barrister, Kevin Roche BL, said she was seeking a trial date.

He told the judge that the trial would take four to six weeks.

Judge Crowe set a trial date of January 27, 2027 and bailed her to that date.

Two co-accused were also before the court. John Steadmond, 48, of Rossminogue, Craanford, Gorey, Co Wexford, and Paddy Maher, 57, of Glenmalure Gun Club, Glenmalure, Co. Wicklow are each charged with 17 related charges, including that they unlawfully acted as solicitors when not qualified to do so.

The bulk of the other charges against the two men relate to inducing a number of people to pay deposits, having falsely represented that Careysfort Asset Estates Ltd was in a position to secure finance for distressed mortgage holders, with the intention of making gains for themselves or others, or causing loss to another.

Each of their barristers said that there was disclosure outstanding in their cases and asked for an arraignment date at the end of the month.

Judge Crowe bailed them both until July 29 next