After a further period of theological studies at St. Mary’s College, Oscott, Birmingham, he came to Scotland and completed his preparation for the priesthood at St. Peter’s College, Bearsden.

After being ordained on Pentecost Sunday, 6 June 1897, in St. Andrew’s cathedral Glasgow, by archbishop Maguire, he was appointed to a curacy at St. Augustine’s, Langloan, Coatbridge.where he served until his appointment to Maryhill, Glasgow, in 1900. After three years there he was transferred to Motherwell where he spend another three years before receiving his first appointment as parish priest at Largs. Following some years in the well-known Scottish seaside town, he was transferred to another Clyde coast town, Gourock, where as parish priest of St. Ninian’s, he was responsible for the building of a school for the local catholic school-children.

From 1918-1929 he served at Stevenston and then, after a year at Cleland, he was appointed to succeed Father James P. Towie as parish priest of St. John the Baptist’s, Uddingston, and here he was to remain until his retirement.

It was while at Stevenston that Father McCarthy had the happiness of celebrating the silver jubilee of his ordination. On that occasion, as on the occasion of his golden jubilee in 1947, he was feted by his devoted parishioners. The diamond jubilee celebrations in 1957 were on a quieter note, as Canon McCarthy by that time, on account of his advanced age, was not fit to attend the usual public celebrations held to mark such a glorious chapter in a long and happy life story. In the Mass offered in St. John’s to mark that occasion, however, bishop Scanlan voiced the opinions of all when he paid tribute to the sterling work done by Canon McCarthy during his sixty years in the priesthood.

When the Cathedral Chapter of the Motherwell Diocese was erected in November 1952, Canon McCarthy was among those named members of the chapter and after his retirement in February, 1957, he became an honorary member of the chapter.

Tragically, one of Canon McCarthy’s brothers, Father Alec. McCarthy C.M.who was on the staff of the Vincentian College at Castleknock, Dublin, died the week before Canon McCarthy’s diamond jubilee in 1957. Another brother, Mgr. Charles McCarthy, has been parish priest of St. John’s, Newfoundland, for many years. A sister, a nun, died some years ago. Another sister lives in Limerick. Several of Canon McCarthy’s nieces and nephews entered religion and some are serving on the missions in Africa. Another niece is in the Presentation Convent, Carlow.

A very tall and stately figure before his advancing years began to lay their mark on him, Canon McCarthy was a great favourite with children. He was no less loved by the older people and his kindliness and quietness of manner, coupled with great firmness of character, made him a great personality. He was moreover a man who, during his long life, showed remarkable administrative ability in tending the affairs of the parishes under his care, and his loss will be keenly felt for a long time.

Pontifical Requiem Mass was celebrated in St. John the Baptist’s Church Uddingston, on Wednesday 18 March by Rt.Rev Mons Scanlan, Bishop of Motherwell. The preacher of the panegyric was Father Patrick Heaney of Sacred Heart Church Bellshill, a former curate of the canon’s. Among the eighty or more priests who were present at the Mass were two nephews, Father Alec McCarthy, who was sub-deacon of the Mass, and Father James McCarthy C.SS.R who was home on leave from the Philippines. After the requiem Mass the funeral took place to St. Patrick’s cemetery, New Stevenston. May he rest in peace.