Born in Cork, Buttimer first played hurling at juvenile and underage levels with St Finbarr's.
Buttimer's performances at club level with St Finbarr's resulted in a call-up to the Cork senior hurling team.
[6] Buttimer was dropped as first-choice goalkeeper in favour of Ned Porter in 1942, however, he did come on as a substitute in Cork's opening round defeat of Limerick.
In retirement from playing, Buttimer remained heavily involved in a coaching role with the St Finbarr's club.
He was one of two St Finbarr's nominees to the selection committee of the Cork senior hurling team in January 1947.