Carney transferred from Hull F.C. to Wigan Warriors at the end of the 2000 Super League season. He had come to the attention of the Wigan board – who were very impressed with him – when he scored a try against Wigan in Gateshead's Super League on the Road victory at Tynecastle. Future Wigan scrum-half Willie Peters, also shone in the same match. Since making the professional ranks, Carney, who is a qualified lawyer, has been a regular in the senior colours of Ireland and featured heavily in the Lincoln Financial World Cup of 2000. Carney played for the Wigan Warriors on the wing in their 2001 Super League Grand Final loss against the Bradford Bulls.