[2] Kearney, who is originally from Dublin and attended Mount Temple Comprehensive School, joined Connacht in 2011.

[3] He made his debut in a home match against Welsh side the Ospreys on 26 November that year, coming off the bench in a 17–6 loss.

[4] Kearney made his first senior start for Connacht against his native province Leinster on 1 January 2012, playing at blindside flanker.

[10] In April 2015 it was announced that Kearney would return to his native province of Leinster for the 2015–16 season.

[16] Kearney has represented Ireland at under-age levels including playing for the Irish under-20 team.