He played for the side in the Interprovincial Championship and the European Challenge Cup until 2000, when a neck injury forced him to retire at the age of 26.
He performed this role for two seasons, before being appointed to succeed Mike Ruddock as head coach of the Ireland under-20 team in October 2014.
Following this announcement, he left his role with the Irish under-20s with immediate effect, with Peter Malone replacing him for the upcoming World Championship.
[7] The promotion brought an end to Carolan's 13-year stewardship of the province's academy, with former Connacht head coach Eric Elwood named as his replacement in May 2017.
[8] On 21 June 2021 it was announced that Carolan was appointed as an Assistant Coach at Glasgow Warriors, focussing on attack.