Born and raised in Dublin, Carr was educated at the King's Hospital where his Tipperary-born father worked as a groundsman.
Carr finished his education at Thurles CBS where he captained the school's Dr Harty Cup team.
[6] After a number of years out of inter-county activity, Carr joined the senior team during the 1988–89 National Hurling League.
After surrendering their titles in 1990, Carr took over the team captaincy the following year and won a second Munster SHC medal in three seasons after a 4-19 to 4-15 defeat of Cork.
[9] Carr emigrated to the United States the following year but returned to win a third and final Munster SHC medal in 1993 before leaving the panel once again.
[13] His first season in charge saw him guide the team to a controversial Munster U21HC title after a one-point defeat of Clare, before losing the 2008 All-Ireland under-21 final to Kilkenny.