Kearney left Cork City for Shelbourne in 2006 following an offer from Dutch Premier Division side Heerenveen was denied to the disappointment of the player.

[citation needed] Kearney joined Shelbourne from the then league champions, Cork City, on a free transfer in January 2006.

[citation needed] Shelbourne manager Pat Fenlon agreed to a temporary freezing of Kearney's contract whilst he took a few weeks away from football during the 2006 season to regain his hunger and focus.

Kearney failed to break into the first team upon his return, but was rewarded with his second league winners medal in two years, as Shelbourne clinched the title on the last day.

[citation needed] Kearney departed Shelbourne on 22 January 2007 to rejoin Cork City, signing a two-year contract.

[7] In August 2008 he said that, despite Cork City's poor financial position and difficulties in re-signing and paying its players, he would prefer to stay with the club.

He also missed Derry's UEFA Europa League games, which saw them knock out Skonto Riga and run CSKA Sofia close.

He expressed his disappointment at not being able to participate in Europe however he said once he regained fitness he was looking forward to helping the Candystripes challenge for the League of Ireland title.

[citation needed] He left the club after the 2015 season in which Cork City were runners up to Dundalk in both the Airtricity League Premier Division and FAI Cup.