[4] Hunt's first introduction to organised football was when he moved to the Christian Brothers' Secondary School in Carrick-on-Suir, County Tipperary at the age of 11.

Failing to make an impact on the first team, Hunt had trials with clubs including Dundee United[5] before leaving to join Brentford.

In his four years at the West London club, he became an integral part of the team and stood in as captain for Michael Dobson for a run of matches during the 2003–04 season.

[7] After agreeing to join Bradford City,[8] late interest from Reading, then in the Football League Championship, made him change his mind.

He still made a good contribution, appearing from the bench, as Reading won the Championship title and promotion to the Premiership during the 2005–06 season.

[24] On 13 August 2009 it was confirmed that Hunt had signed for Hull City for an undisclosed fee, believed to be around the region of £3.5 million.

[31] On 21 June 2010 Wolverhampton Wanderers signed Hunt on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee, reported to be £3 million.

[32] Hunt, still recovering from his foot injury from his time with Hull, did not return to action until several months into the season,[33] making his Wolves debut as a substitute against Chelsea on 23 October 2010.

[38] Although undergoing a groin operation,[39] Hunt was largely a regular player for Wolves throughout the 2011–12 season as the club suffered relegation.

His campaign back in the Championship was hampered by a persistent hip injury but he played regularly throughout the final months as the team was once again relegated.

[46] On 8 January 2016, Hunt signed a short-term deal with League 1 promotion chasing side Coventry City after a short spell as a free agent.

Hunt scored his first, and only international goal through a late penalty in a 2–3 friendly defeat to Poland at Croke Park on 19 November 2008.

[52] Hunt has a sister and three brothers, Noel, James and Anthony[53] and is married to Kevin Doyle's cousin, Joanne.