[1] Kerins first came to prominence as a schoolboy with Coláiste Chríost Rí with whom he won successive Corn Uí Mhuirí titles.
Kerins first appeared on the inter-county scene as a dual player at minor level before winning an All-Ireland Under-21 Championship title as reserve goalkeeper to Michael Creedon in 1981.
He subsequently joined the Cork senior football team, once again as understudy to Creedon, and won the first of seven Munster Championship titles in his debut season in 1983.
In retirement from playing Kerins served as coach of the St Finbarr's minor and senior teams, guiding the former to championship success.
[3] Born in Cork, Kerins joined the Garda Síochána and was based in Gurranabraher where he reached the rank of detective.