After lining out for Fermanagh at minor and under-21 levels, McCabe made his senior debut for the team in 1974. The highlights of his senior career include the winning of a McKenna Cup medal in 1977 and a National League Division 3 medal in 1981. McCabe took a break from inter-county football shortly after the latter victory, but returned for a second spell on the team from 1985 to 1988.
In retirement from playing McCabe managed Fermanagh in the early 1990s, taking them from Division 4 to Division 2. He also managed major clubs including Dromore, Errigal Ciarán and Mullahoran.