Career
In 1971, he was named at right full back on the inaugural team at the Gaelic Athletic Association All Stars Awards. He was also manager of the Mayo senior football team between 1977 and 1980. Club
Over the course of the rest of his club career, Carey played for Dunmore McHales and Roscommon Gaels.
Inter-county
Carey played for the Mayo senior inter-county team between 1965 and 1973.
Following his retirement from the inter-county team in 1973, he returned to manage them between 1977 and 1980.