An official probe has been launched into the GAA Catfish.
On Monday, the 2 Johnnies released an unexpected third instalment of their GAA Catfish series, a story that captured national attention in 2022.
Part 1 and Part 2 of the GAA Catfish story exposed an elaborate web of fake profiles which deceived scores of men in Ireland, including football players and even Johnny B himself.

Despite initial plans for a BBC documentary, the project did not proceed as the alleged catfish, who was given the fake name Nicki, declined to participate.
Almost three years later, the story has taken an unexpected turn.
In 2024, The 2 Johnnies were contacted by several men who believed they were being deceived by someone going by the name of ‘Aoife Kennedy’.
Upon investigation, it became clear that the original catfish, known as Cora O’Donovan, had resurfaced under a new alias.

In the series, they highlight the broader dangers of false allegations, which can harm innocent individuals and dissuade genuine victims from coming forward.
They also caution against engaging with people online without verifying their identities.
Now, it has been confirmed that an official investigation has been launched in Northern Ireland surrounding the GAA Catfish.
In a statement to the Sunday World, a spokesperson for the PSNI confirmed: “Police received a report of harassment on Monday, 13th January. Enquiries are ongoing.”
The podcast duo said ahead of the release of Part 3 of the GAA catfish: “In 2022, we never imagined revisiting The GAA Catfish. But as new stories emerged, we felt compelled to act.
“This episode is not about shaming anyone but about raising awareness and preventing further harm. It’s time to address this issue and call on social media companies to do more to combat fake profiles.”
Catfishing is when someone pretends to be someone else online, frequently utilising stolen photos or personal information, in order to trick people into dating them in person or online.
In an exclusive statement to Goss.ie, a spokesperson for An Garda Síochána said: “While still a relatively new phenomenon, catfishing online is a practice which can cause those affected much upset and anxiety.
“The deception that catfishes engage in may not necessarily meet the threshold in order for it to be investigated as a criminal offence in every instance as each case is distinct and unique.
“That said, anyone who believes that they have previously been or are currently affected by catfishing through an online platform or dating app is advised to speak with An Garda Síochána at any Garda Station or through the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.”
“It is important to be aware that catfishing can later lead to romance fraud, where a person fraudulently obtains money from another that they have been deceiving online or on a dating app.
“This is a serious criminal offence and should a person be scammed of their money in this way, they are encouraged to come and speak with An Garda Síochána. Their experience will be treated in full confidence and thoroughly investigated,” they continued.
“If you are on a dating app, it is especially important to have your wits about you.”
An Garda Síochána have issued key pieces of advice to Goss.ie in order to avoid being catfished and/or becoming a victim of romance fraud and serious deception:
- Be wary of potential catfish – take the image(s) they are using on their profile and run them through Google Reverse Image Search
- Be careful of what personal details you share both on your profile and through conversation. Never provide your address or a copy of Passport and/or Driving Licence
- Never give or send on money to a person that you have met on a dating app on the pretence that they will pay you back at a later date
- Keep you bank details and online banking password confidential and private – never allow someone you have met online to have it
- Be wise to anyone that claims to live a lavish lifestyle but then asks for your financial assistance because of a hacked bank account, stolen debit/credit card, locked out of online banking etc..
- Act on instinct. If you spot gaps in their story and look out for inconsistencies in who they purport to be, where they claim to work, live etc.. – this can often occur as the person deceiving you mixes up which victim they are speaking with
- If you become suspicious, screenshot and save all of your correspondence with the individual and immediately make contact with your bank and/or freeze your money app if you believe they may have had access.
“There are many people affected by the practice of catfishing, and there can be more than one person adversely affected,” the statement continued.
“For instance, there is the person themselves who is being deceived by a false identity or an identity that is of the person that they believe they are legitimately communicating with, and then there is the individual who may later learn or become aware that their identify is being falsely used online without their knowledge or consent.”
“Please get in touch with us at any Garda Station in person or by phone if you believe you are or previously have been a victim of catfishing and romance fraud – it is not something that should cause you any feeling of embarrassment and please be assured that your complaint will be treated seriously and in confidence.”
Last October, Lisa Chambers introduced a new bill into Seanad Éireann to “tackle the harmful practice of catfishing.”
The legislation would make it a criminal offence to participate in catfishing, giving An Garda Síochána the authority to take action and giving victims vital recourse.
“Catfishing is a deeply manipulative and emotionally abusive behaviour that causes severe stress and anxiety for its victims,” said Senator Chambers.
“It’s time the law caught up with this growing problem. This Bill would modernise our legal system, giving Gardaí the powers they need to address catfishing and support its victims.”
Catfishing victims can be divided into two groups: those who are tricked into believing they are dating someone who doesn’t exist, and those whose photos and personal information are taken in order to fabricate false online personas.
Senator Chambers emphasised that both groups experience emotional distress and privacy violations, yet the existing statute provides them with no redress.
“We need to change the law to criminalise catfishing and protect people from emotional exploitation and abuse.”
“As it stands, victims have no legal avenues to get justice or even have their stolen images removed from social media platforms. My Bill aims to change that.”
“Social media platforms must play a role in keeping users safe, but they have been reluctant to act unless legally required to. This legislation will create that legal obligation, empowering Gardaí and giving victims the justice they deserve,” Senator Chambers added.
Although her Seanad colleagues passed it, the bill did not advance past the committee level.