Born and raised in Skibbereen, County Cork, Mick first played as a schoolboy in various juvenile competitions at St. Patrick's Boys' National School before later lining out as a student at St. Fachtna's De La Salle College in Cork. He was a member of the first St. Fachtna's team to win the Simcox Cup in 1981 before claiming the Corn Uí Mhuirí title in 1982.[1]
Club career
McCarthy began his club career during a four-year tenure with the O'Donovan Rossa under-12 team. After winning every available divisional title during that time, he also claimed a Cork U14FC title in 1977. McCarthy progressed through the various underage grades before winning a South West JAFC title in his first year at adult level in 1982.[2] His performances in this grade earned selection to the Carbery divisional team from 1983 to 1985. McCarthy enjoyed further success with O'Donovan Rossa when he won a Cork U21FC title after a one-point defeat of St. Finbarr's in 1984.
McCarthy lost his place on the starting fifteen the following year, but won a National League title and a second consecutive Munster SFC medal as a non-playing substitute. He was again listed as a substitute for the 1989 All-Ireland final against Mayo, but collected a winners' medal after coming on as a substitute for Shea Fahy in the 0-17 to 1-11 victory.[17][18] McCarthy was back on the starting fifteen a year later and won a third consecutive Munster SFC medal. He scored two points from left corner-forward as Cork retained the All-Ireland SFC title following an 0-11 to 0-09 win over Meath in the 1989 All-Ireland final.[19][20][21]