D.J. Carey
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DJ Carey (born November 1970) is a forward for Kilkenny in the sport of hurling. He is regarded as one of the finest hurlers of his generation, or perhaps of all time. Besides having many All-Ireland medals at minor, under 21 and senior level, Carey also has World Championship medals in Gaelic Handball.
Early years
Denis Joseph Carey was born in Gowran, Co. Kilkenny, a small village situated in mid Kilkenny on the main Dublin to Waterford road. He was born into a large farming family, with three brothers and three sisters. His sister Caitriona is a star player on the Irish field hockey team, as well as being part of the Kilkenny senior camogie team). DJ's brother Martin was also a member of the Kilkenny hurling squad (panel) as a substitute goal keeper for a number of years. The 1970s were a great year for Kilkenny hurling, and Kilkenny stars of that period like Eddie Keher, Noel Skehan and Billy Fitzpatrick were a big influence on the young hurler. Besides, hurling was in DJ's blood - his uncle Martin played with the local team Young Irelands, his aunt Peggy won four All-Irelands with Kilkenny, and his granduncle Paddy Phelan was an iconic hurler of the 1930's and was selected on the team of the century as well as on the Team Of The Millennium.
DJ grew up playing alongside other hurlers who would go on to find success with Kilkenny, like Charlie Carter and Pat O' Neill. He then went on to St. Kierans college, Kilkenny, noted as the greatest hurling nursery in Kilkenny hurling. In addition to hurling, he also played gaelic football, handball and soccer.
Kilkenny career
DJ soon made his way into the Kilkenny minor and under 21 teams. In 1991 he played in his first All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship in 1991 against the famous Tipperary team of the late 80's and early 90's, and won his first senior All-Ireland medal against Cork the following year. Success continued in 1993 for DJ, now a household name in Ireland, when Kilkenny completed the double when they beat Galway in the All-Ireland final. DJ had been outstanding in the championship, scoring 2-4 against Offaly and 1-5 against Wexford in the Leinster final replay. DJ's performances were widely recognised, and he won All-Star awards in each of these years, as well as Hurler Of The Year in 1993. Aged only 22, DJ was already on his way to becoming one of the most successful hurlers of all time.
Kilkenny did not reach another All-Ireland until 1998 when DJ shocked the sporting world in April of that year by announcing his retirement, due to the pressure of being in the spotlight. But six weeks later, having received no less than 25,000 letters of encouragement, DJ was persuaded to get back in the game. But he was subdued in the final, and also inthe following year's renewal.
The tide turned to Kilkenny's and DJ's advantage in 2000. DJ ran riot throughout the championship scoring goals galore, and even though there were questions about his excessive use of steps once again that season, proved himself beyond any doubt with a stunning display against Offaly in the final. DJ was named 'man-of-the-match' and went on to pick up his 8th all-star as well as another Hurler Of The Year. Amazingly, DJ was not included in the Team Of The Millennium.
Towards the end of 2001, DJ was in a car accident which curtailed him for the following year with injuries to his neck. He came back in time for next year's campaign and again starred in the All-Ireland winning team. A ninth All-Star award followed. Another win followed in 2002 and in 2003 DJ captained the side to All-Ireland victory against Cork, doing the double again.
