McSharry joined Connacht ahead of the 2011–12 season, having previously been in Leinster's Academy. McSharry made his debut for Connacht on 5 November 2011, starting against Ulster in the 2011–12 Pro12 and playing the full 80 minutes. McSharry made his European debut for the side with a start against Harlequins in the 2011–12 Heineken Cup on 11 November 2011, the province's first game in their first ever season in the competition. He made four more appearances in the competition, starting on each occasion. McSharry also made a total of nine appearances in the league that season, starting seven times and scoring one try. McSharry signed a contract extension in December 2011 that will see him remain with Connacht until at least 2014.