McCarthy first played hurling as a student at the North Monastery in Cork.
[1] McCarthy began his club hurling career with Na Piarsaigh, before later lining out with University College Cork.
He captained "college" to the Cork SHC title in 1970, before winning consecutive Fitzgibbon Cup medals.
[2] McCarthy first appeared on the inter-county scene with Cork as a member of the minor team that beat Wexford in the 1967 All-Ireland minor final.
As a result of his performances for UCC, McCarthy was drafted onto the Cork senior hurling team midway during the 1970–71 National League.