Devine began playing football with Springfield FC in Cobh, County Cork, where he was capped at U15 and U16 levels, and thereafter signed for English team Middlesbrough.

Devine spent four years at Ayresome Park learning his trade before he briefly moved on to Newcastle United and non-league Northallerton.

Devine made his Cobh debut in August 1993 as a substitute against Cork City in a League Cup tie.

The transfer came as City and manager Derek Mountfield were in need of a keeper following a training ground injury to first choice 'keeper Noel Mooney, and Devine's form saw him retain the goalkeeper's jersey even after Mooney returned to full fitness.

Noted for excellent shot stopping and spectacular saves, Devine became the "closed door" behind City's defence, eventually winning the League of Ireland championship in 2005 with many critics speculating on a senior Ireland call-up.