Career
Born in Dublin, Carolan started his career with Home Farm at youth level before moving to Manchester United on 15 February 1956, where he featured in their FA Youth Cup winning team On 22 November 1958, Carolan made his senior debut against Luton Town. He broke into the first time nine months after the Munich air disaster, which had claimed the lives of eight United players - including his fellow countryman Bill Whelan - and resulted in two other players being injured to such an extent that they never played again.
He joined Brighton and Hove Albion in December 1960.
Carolan joined Tonbridge in 1962 before signing for Canterbury City in 1968.