He also currently plays at club level with Kilcummin in Kerry.
McCarthy filled a gap for Kerry, who lacked a specialist full-back of true inter-county class and had been forced to deploy the great half-back Séamus Moynihan in that position before McCarthy claimed the No.3 jersey.
McCarthy won the All-Ireland senior football championship with Kerry on four occasions, in 2000, 2004, 2006 and again in 2009.
McCarthy retired from inter-county football after that season but made a comeback during 2009.
Michael won the All-Ireland U21 football championship with Kerry in 1998.