His league and championship career with the Kerry senior team spanned six seasons from 1983 to 1988.

His father, Tom, enjoyed a distinguished career with the John Mitchels club while he also played for Kerry at minor, junior and senior levels.

[2] O'Dowd first appeared for the John Mitchels club at underage levels, winning a county under-21 championship medal in 1983.

[citation needed] O'Dowd made his debut on the inter-county scene at the age of sixteen when he was picked on the Kerry minor team.

[citation needed] O'Dowd was chosen on the Munster inter-provincial team in 1986, however, he ended his career without a Railway Cup medal.