McGroarty began his career with Scottish Premier League side Dunfermline Athletic, making his first team debut in the 1998–99 season.
[1] He was loaned out to Glasgow side Clyde in 2003 before moving to Paisley club St Mirren one month later.
At the end of the 2003–04 season, McGroarty was released by St Mirren and was signed by Scottish Second Division side Dumbarton.
At the end of McGroarty's contract with East Stirlingshire, he signed for Berwick Rangers and played 33 matches for them in the 2005–06 season, scoring five goals.
[3] McGroarty in July 2009 signed a short-term contract for Second Division side Brechin City before joining Forfar Athletic in October the same year.