He won five league titles and one FAI Cup with Shelbourne after making his debut against Finn Harps at Tolka Park in September 1998.

Heary, a right-sided full-back noted for his robust tackling, general fitness and frequent sorties up the right flank in support of his attack, was elected Player of the Year for the 2001/2002 season by his peers in the Professional Footballers' Association of Ireland.

Heary was unveiled as a Bohemians player at a press conference on 22 January 2007 and has since slotted into the side with ease, playing a huge part in Bohs' great defensive record.

[1] In November 2009, Heary as captain, collected the Premier Division trophy for the Bohemians first back-to-back league wins.

[4] After a poor run of results during the 2013 season which left Bohs in the relegation zone, Callaghan was sacked as manager and Heary was appointed to take caretaker charge of the club.