C.J. McCarthy (1857-1947)

Charles James McCarthy, was the only son of J.J. McCarthy, and received his professional training in his father’s office. Following his father’s death in February 1882, he inherited the practice, which was primarily engaged in designing buildings for the Catholic church and was briefly in partnership with the Belfast architect John O’Neill until O’Neill’s death in May 1883. In late 1893 he was elected to the post of city architect, a position he held until poor health caused him to resign in the summer of 1921. In this capacity he designed many public buildings, including libraries, fire stations and technical schools, and over 1,700 dwellings under the Housing of the Working Classes Acts.