[1] Born in Loughmore, County Tipperary, McGrath was raised in a family that had a strong affinity for Gaelic games.
His father, Mick McGrath, and his uncles, enjoyed county championship success with the Loughmore–Castleiney club in the 1950s.
[citation needed] McGrath attended Rockwell College while simultaneously coming to prominence at juvenile and underage levels with the Loughmore–Casteiney teams.
[citation needed] McGrath made his debut on the inter-county scene at the age of sixteen when he was selected for both Tipperary minor teams.
[citation needed] McGrath's sons, Noel and John, are also All-Ireland medal winners with Tipperary.