Born in Bansha, County Tipperary, McCarthy first arrived on the inter-county scene at the age of seventeen when he first linked up with the Tipperary minor team in 1972 before later joining the under-21 side in 1974 and 1975. He joined the senior panel during the 1974 championship. McCarthy subsequently became a regular member of the starting fifteen.
McCarthy retired from inter-county football following the conclusion of the 1982 championship.
In retirement from playing McCarthy became involved in team management and coaching. He has served as manager and selector with the Tipperary minor, under-21, junior and senior teams.[1]
