The emphatic result has kept the Owls' hopes of avoiding relegation alive, although wins for Birmingham City and Coventry meant they were unable to close the gap - which currently sits at a hefty seven points - on the two sides currently on the precipice of the drop-zone.
Speaking after the match, McCarthy was full of praise for Wednesday, and admitted: "It was a humbling experience this evening, that's for sure… The first goal set them up with a bit more confidence than they would have done, with where they are.
“Having watched it back we should have defended it better, let’s put it that way, that's disappointing
“The second goal, I'm not sure what we can do to stop that, to be quite honest with you. Maybe stop it at source from the throw-in? But they've worked it well. The cross from the wing back and the finish (from Paterson) well it was an amazing goal.
“The third one, I'm disappointed we gave away the free-kick away, but again, nothing Dillon (Phillips) can do about it.”
Here are today's biggest transfer stories and the latest team news involving Sheffield Wednesday and the rest of the Championship, as the build-up to the action to this weekend's action begins:
1. Hammers land Dawson on permanent deal
West Ham United have confirmed that star loanee Craig Dawson will join the club on a permanent deal from Watford this summer. He's played an integral role in the Hammers shock rise to fourth in the Premier League table. (Club website) Photo: IAN WALTON
2. Bluebirds ready new deal for Brown
Cardiff City are looking to keep defender Ciaron Brown on a long-term deal, as he approaches the end of his short-term contract. He was recalled to the Bluebirds by Mick McCarthy, after impressing on loan with Livingstone. (Football League World) Photo: Charles McQuillan
3. McAvoy second-favourite for Preston job
After making a solid start in his role of interim head coach at Preston North End, Frankie McAvoy is now the bookies' second favourite to get the job permanently. However, Wycombe's Gareth Ainsworth is still the front-runner. (SkyBet) Photo: Charlotte Tattersall
4. Derby suffer injury blow
Derby County boss Wayne Rooney has revealed that striker Lee Gregory could miss the rest of the season with a hamstring injury. The Rams loanee has scored three goals since arriving from Stoke City back in February. (Derby Telegraph) Photo: Naomi Baker