Career
Club
McCarthy played his club football with his local club in Clonakilty, however, he enjoyed little success. Inter-county
He was a non playing substitute as Cork claimed both Munster and All-Ireland titles in 1967. The 5-12 to 1-15 defeat of arch-rivals Kerry showed the traditional football powers that Cork were coming.
The subsequent All-Ireland final pitted Cork against Galway.
Teenager Jimmy Barry-Murphy scored the first of his two goals after just two minutes before scored a third for Cork after switching to left wing-forward. At full-time Cork were the champions by 3-17 to 2-13.
This victory gave McCarthy a coveted All-Ireland winners" medal. Cork continued their provincial dominance in 1974.
A 1-11 to 0-7 defeat of Kerry gave McCarthy a second Munster winners" medal.
This victory resulted in Cork being installed as the favourites to retain their All-Ireland title. An air of overconfidence crept into the side as McCarthy’s side were defeated by eventual champions Dublin in the All-Ireland semi-final. He continued playing with Cork for another few years, however, Kerry dominated provincial football for the next decade.
Inter-provincial
McCarthy also lined out with Munster in the inter-provincial football competition.
He first played with his province in 1975 and success was immediate. That year he captured a coveted Railway Cup winners" medal following a high-scoring victory over Ulster.
lieutenant was the first of four Railway Cup victories as Munster also recorded victories in 1976, 1977 and 1978.
