The 2 Johnnies have shared a new update on the GAA Catfish saga, after part three of their popular podcast series attracted worldwide attention this week.
On Monday, The 2 Johnnies Podcast shared the third instalment of The GAA Catfish series, a story that captivated the nation in 2022.
Almost three years on from when Johnny B was hoodwinked by Cora O’Donovan aka Nicki it seems nothing has changed for this serial catfisher.
The update to this unbelievable story has kept the country and indeed the world on tenterhooks.
In just four short days the podcast has had over 2 million streams in Ireland and across the globe.
The lads have been flooded with emails from people who claim to have been catfished by the GAA Catfish, some going back 15 years.
They have also heard from a number of women whose pictures were used as part of this elaborate fake world, and some of those women are now considering next steps.

During an exclusive interview with Goss.ie, a young woman who had her photos stolen by the GAA Catfish said she was considering taking action against the imposter, who she branded “dangerous”.
Since the release of part three, the team behind The 2 Johnnies podcast have also been contacted by Gardaí, politicians and legal professionals all offering help for the victims.
In a new statement on Friday, the 2 Johnnies said: “We want to take a moment to thank all of you who have tuned into the third installment of the GAA Catfish.
“We are overwhelmed by the response and the stories that have poured in from listeners of the podcast who have been affected by this issue, and we’re grateful that we’ve been able to help shed light on something that affects men and women all across the country.”
“We have been contacted by a wide range of people including TDs from across the Dáil chamber and members of an Garda Síochána which further highlights the seriousness of the issue and the need for awareness and action.
“Our aim from the outset was to raise awareness of the damaging impact that catfishing can have, and it’s clear from the response that this conversation is long overdue.”
Johnny B also added: “So many people, men and women, have come forward with their own stories of how they were catfished or scammed.
“Fake accounts are being reported and the social media platforms seem to do nothing, they could have saved a lot of people a lot of hurt. They don’t give a shite. Thanks for sharing your stories, we hope ye all come out stronger, keep the head.”

The 2 Johnnies have once again reminded listeners that help is available if they have been affected by any of the issues raised in the GAA Catfish series:
• Dublin Rape Crisis Centre: National 24-Hour Helpline at 1800 77 8888
• Garda Confidential Helpline for domestic abuse: 1800 666 111
In an exclusive statement to Goss.ie, the Gardaí also assured the public that complaints of catfishing will be “treated seriously” in wake of the GAA Catfish scandal.
A Garda spokesperson told us: “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,” the statement continued.
“If you are on a dating app, it is especially important to have your wits about you.”
There are some key pieces of advice that An Garda Síochána recommend 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 youe 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.
The Garda statement continued: “There are many people affected by the practice of catfishing, and there can be more than one person adversely affected.
“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.”