Darren McCarthy (hurler)
# Darren McCarthy (hurler)

Darren McCarthy (born 5 October 1990) is an Irish hurler who plays as a midfielder for the Cork senior team.

Born in Cork, McCarthy first played competitive Gaelic games during his schooling at Coláiste Chríost Rí. He arrived on the inter-county scene at the age of sixteen when he first linked up with the Cork minor team before later joining the under-21 side. He joined the senior panel during the 2012 league. McCarthy spent a number of years as sub-goalkeeper before being switched to the forwards.

At club level McCarthy is an All-Ireland medalist in the intermediate grade with Ballymartle. In addition to this he has also won one Munster medal and one championship medal in the premier intermediate grade.

## Playing career

### Club

McCarthy plays his club hurling with Ballymartle. In 2010 he was a member of the forward line as Ballymartle faced local rivals Tracton in the final of the premier intermediate championship. A 2-14 to 0-13 victory gave McCarthy a championship medal in that grade. Ballymartle later represented the county in the provincial series of games and faced Borrisokane in the decider. A 2-14 to 0-8 win gave McCarthy a Munster medal. Dicksboro provided the opposition in the subsequent All-Ireland decider and McCarthy played a key role in securing a last-minute goal. A 3-15 to 1-20 victory gave him an All-Ireland Intermediate Club Hurling Championship medal.

### Inter-county

McCarthy first came to prominence on the inter-county scene as a member of the Cork minor hurling team in 2007. That year he lined out in his provincial decider against Tipperary. An 0-18 to 1-11 defeat was the result on that occasion. Cork remained in the championship and took the "back door" route to the All-Ireland final where they faced Tipp once again. A 3-14 to 2-11 defeat was the result on that occasion.

In 2008 McCarthy lined out in a second consecutive provincial decider with Tipperary providing the opposition once again. A narrow 0-19 to 0-18 victory resulted in a first Munster medal for McCarthy.

