Barry John McCarthy is a skilled Irish cricketer who has carved out a significant role for himself on the international stage. Known for his right-arm medium-pace bowling and dependable right-handed batting, McCarthy has become a key figure in the Ireland cricket team. His sister, Louise McCarthy, also represents Ireland at the international level, making cricket a family affair.

McCarthy made his first-class debut in 2015 and entered the English county cricket scene with Durham. His Twenty20 debut came on 20 May 2016 in the NatWest T20 Blast, where he represented Durham against Worcestershire Rapids. In June of that same year, he earned his first call-up to the Ireland ODI squad for their series against Sri Lanka, making his ODI debut on 16 June 2016. A year later, on 10 March 2017, he made his T20I debut against Afghanistan, where he took four wickets but also endured the distinction of recording the most expensive bowling figures in T20I history in his second game.

McCarthy's talent was evident early in his career, earning him recognition from the ICC as the 'rising star' of Ireland's squad after the 2018 Cricket World Cup Qualifier. In November 2018, he left Durham to focus on his international career, reflecting his commitment to Ireland’s cricketing ambitions. Since then, he has been a central figure in the team, securing central contracts from Cricket Ireland and contributing to several key campaigns.

In May 2019, McCarthy claimed his 50th ODI wicket during the opening match of the Ireland Tri-Nation Series against the West Indies. He was later named to Ireland's squad for the ICC T20 World Cup qualifiers in 2019 and the provisional squad for the 2021 T20 World Cup.

The year 2023 saw McCarthy achieve a personal milestone by scoring his maiden T20I half-century with a gritty 51* off 33 balls against India in a rain-affected match at Malahide. His Test debut came in February 2024 during Ireland's historic maiden Test victory against Afghanistan, where he claimed his first Test wicket by dismissing Hashmatullah Shahidi. McCarthy finished the match with four wickets, playing a vital role in Ireland's six-wicket triumph.

In domestic cricket, McCarthy set a new benchmark in the 2024 Interprovincial Trophy by recording the best-ever bowling figures in the competition, taking 5/3 for Leinster Lightning against Munster Reds. This performance also marked his career-best figures. In May 2024, McCarthy was named in Ireland's squad for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, further solidifying his place as a cornerstone of Irish cricket. With his blend of bowling precision and batting resilience, McCarthy continues to be a vital asset to the Irish team, contributing across all formats with consistency and flair.