A League of Ireland soccer player has pleaded guilty to fraudulently claiming more than €4,000 in social welfare payments.
Ian Bermingham (26), who plays for St Patrick’s Athletic, appeared at Dublin District Court. He refunded the money and will be spared a criminal conviction if he donates €250 to Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital Crumlin.
He pleaded guilty to six counts for concealing the fact he was in employment on dates in 2011, 2012 and 2013 while obtaining the jobseeker’s allowance.
His solicitor Wayne Kenny said it was a misunderstanding and his client “genuinely believed that because he was working part-time, he was entitled to the payment”.