A highly-talented footballer, Carty went for trials at Southampton as a teenager before eventually deciding on a career in rugby.
And after his mature showing at the Sportsground against the men in blue, Connacht fans will be delighted they have him for the oval-ball game.
"I played all three sports at school, to be honest I don't really come from a rugby family at all," he said.
"I played soccer mostly as a kid, I even represented Ireland U15 and U16 and went over to England for a trial with Southampton as well.
"I played some Gaelic as well but by the time I came to leave school, I thought that rugby would be the best option for me."
And so it proved as Carty represented Ireland U20 in the 2012 IRB World Junior Championships.
There the stand-off split game time with JJ Hanrahan as the men in green impressed with a strong run to a fifth-place finish.
"I hadn't been involved in the Six Nations that year for Ireland U20 but I was lucky to get the call for the World Championships and it was a great experience," he added.
"We could have possibly done even better than fifth, considering we beat South Africa in the group stages and they ended up winning the whole thing."
The man from Athlone failed to really kick on last season with Connacht, restricted to only two RaboDirect PRO12 appearances from the bench.
But in this the final year of his academy contract, the fly-half has been given his chance under new head coach Pat Lam and is relishing his opportunity.
"Pat has made it clear that he wants to give the younger guys a chance which is great for me," he added.
"I know what a competitive position fly-half is here, Dan Parks, Miah (Nikora) and Craig (Ronaldson), there is a lot of talent.
"So chances to impress are going to be few and far between and I have to make the most of any that I get.
"And I thought I did that against Leinster, I didn't want to try and do too much, just limit my mistakes and be solid.
"It may not look it from the outside, considering our league position, but we are making some real progress and I hope that can continue."
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