Senior Debut: v Sharks, Thomond Park, October 2023 

Champions Cup Debut:v Bayonne, Thomond Park, December 2023

Position: Winger

Club: Young Munster RFC

Former Club: Richmond RFC

School: St Munchin's College

Shay McCarthy joined the Academy in 2023 having started out playing at Richmond RFC before winning a Munster Schools Boys Junior Cup with St Munchin's College in 2018.

His impressive form with Young Munster in the AIL earned a call-up to the Ireland U20s squad and he made his debut at that level against France in June 2022.

His first season in the Academy included an appearance in the Champions Cup round of 16 clash against Northampton Saints and he ended the season with two tries in seven games.

He will move up to the senior squad on a two-year contract ahead of the 2025/26 season.