He played hurling with his local club Ahane and with the Limerick senior inter-county team from 1942 until 1953.
Cork, a team attempting to capture a fourth successive All-Ireland title, provided the opposition.
The game was an exciting one with thousands of people walking to the match in Thurles as a result of war-time travel restrictions.
[citation needed] The spectators were not disappointed, however, the game ended in a draw – Cork 4–13, Limerick 6–7.
Limerick, however, had defeated All-Ireland champions Tipperary in the Munster semi-final and looked a good bet to take the title.
In 1947, Herbert had his only success with the Limerick team as he captured a National Hurling League medal.