[1] Born in Sturgeon Falls, Ontario and raised in Sudbury, he grew up to be a star athlete in baseball, football, track and field, and ice hockey.

His hockey career included stops with Toronto St. Michael's College, Barrie Flyers,[3] Boston Olympics,[4] Nelson B.C.

McCarthy,[1][6] a member of the Northern Ontario Recreation Directors Association (NORDA), set up the first on-ice activity, or "game", of ringette which took place at the Espanola Arena in the fall of 1963.

[6]McCarthy had been present at a meeting when Sam Jacks brought up the fact that there was a need for a new winter team sport for girls.

The Red McCarthy Memorial Trophy is the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League's award given annually to the "Coach of the Year".