 Kearney returned to Cork City FC at the start of the 2014 season from Avondale United, having being denied in joining halfway through the 2013 season due to amateur player regulations.He left the club after the 2015 season in which Cork City were runners up to Dundalk in both the Airtricity League Premier Division and FAI Cup.Kearney represented the Republic of Ireland Under-16 team at the 2000 UEFA European Under-16 Football Championship and the Under-19 team at the 2002 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship.