Charlie McCarthy (hurler)

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Charlie McCarthy (born 1947) is a former Irish sportsperson. He played hurling with Cork in the 1960s and 1970s.

Charlie McCarthy is regarded as one of hurling's greatest-ever score-getters. A player with the famous St. Finbarr's club in Cork City McCarthy first came to hurling prominence when he won an All-Ireland Minor Hurling Championship medal in 1964. His skill was quickly noted and he soon made his way onto the senior team in 1965. In 1966 Cork won their first Munster Championship in a decade, with McCarthy playing a prominent role at corner-forward. McCarthy later went on to win his first All-Ireland medal that same year. In 1969 he won his second Munster Championship medal with Cork, but lost out on a second All-Ireland medal when the side was defeated by Kilkenny. There was some consolation in the fact that McCarthy had earlier won a National Hurling League medal with Cork.

A second National League title came in 1970, followed by a third Munster medal and a second All-Ireland medal. Further National League and Munster medals were won by McCarthy in 1972, however, Cork were subsequently defeated in a classic All-Ireland final against the old foes Kilkenny. In 1975 McCarthy won his fifth Munster medal, heralding in a great era for Cork hurling. Three All-Ireland titles were won in-a-row by Cork in 1976, 1977 and 1978, with McCarthy playing in his usual right corner-forward position in all three campaigns. 1978 proved to be a special year for McCarthy. Not only did he captain Cork to their third successive All-Ireland title in-a-row, he earlier captained St. Finbarr's to the All-Ireland Senior Club Hurling Championship title and captained Munster to Railway Cup victory. McCarthy also won All Star Awards in 1977 and 1978.

Preceded by: Martin O'Doherty	Cork Senior Hurling Captain 1978	Succeeded by: John Horgan
Preceded by: Martin O'Doherty (Cork)	All-Ireland Hurling Final winning captain 1978	Succeeded by: Ger Fennelly (Kilkenny)