[1] During his studies at University College Cork, Lawton enjoyed success as a hurler, beginning with an All-Ireland Freshers Championship title in his first year.

[2] Lawton joined the Castle martyr club at a young age and played in all grades at juvenile and underage levels.

As a member of the club's top adult team, he won four East Cork Junior Championship medals in six seasons.

[8] Lawton made his senior debut for Cork on 9 March 2014, replacing Conor Lehane in the 53rd minute of a National League game against Offaly at Páirc Uí Rinn.

On 13 July 2014, Lawton won his first Munster medal as an unused substitute after a six-point defeat of Limeric in the finalk.