Born and raised in Macroom, County Cork, Corrigan first played as a schoolboy in various juvenile competitions at St. Colman's Boys National School before later lining out as a student at the De La Salle College.
Corrigan enjoyed his first success at adult level when he lined out at midfield in Macroom's defeat of Bandon in the 1982 Cork IFC final.
[7] Corrigan immediately progressed to the under-21 team and ended his debut season in that grade with an All-Ireland U21FC title after a defeat of Galway in the 1981 final replay.
Corrigan added a National League medal to his collection in 1989, however, the final victory over New York did not pass without incident as he suffered a severe leg injury.
It was later revealed that he had damaged the Achilles tendon in his right leg and underwent surgery at Tralee General Hospital immediately after arriving back in Ireland.
[19] Corrigan was again part of the Cork panel for the early stages of the 1990-91 National League, however, a persistent knee injury resulted in him stepping away for the team.
Success was instant with Cork securing the Munster JFC title before losing the 1992 All-Ireland junior final to Wexford.
Corrigan's sole season in charge saw Muskerry reach the final of the 1995 Cork SFC where they were beaten by Bantry Blues.
[21] Corrigan was appointed assistant coach of the Cork senior team under Billy Morgan during the latter's unsuccessful final season in charge in 1996.