McCarthy went on to guide St. Finbarr's to a famous three in-a-row of county championship titles with victories over Glen Rovers again in 1981 and Blackrock in 1982. St. Finbarr's almost made it a four in-a-row; however, Midleton defeated McCarthy's side in the decider of 1983. The following year McCarthy guided his club to a sixth consecutive county championship final. Surprise package Ballyhea provided the opposition on that occasion; however, victory went to St. Finbarr's on a score line of 1–15 to 2–4. It was the club's fourth championship in six years. McCarthy remained as coach until 1986.