O'Doherty first played hurling to a high standard as a student at St. Flannan's College in Ennis.
He was a member of the Flannan's team that beat Thurles CBS to win the Harty Cup title in 2005, before later defeating St Kieran's College to claim All-Ireland honours.
[1][2] O'Doherty later lined out at adult club level with Crusheen and won back-to-back Clare SHC titles in 2010 and 2011.
[3][4] He was also part of the Crusheen team defeated by Na Piarsaigh in the 2011 Munster club final.
[5] O'Doherty first appeared on the inter-county scene with Clare during a two-year tenure with the minor team in 2005 and 2006.