Coleman first played hurling at juvenile and underage levels with the Ballinhassig club while also lining out with St. Finbarr's College in the Harty Cup.[1] He progressed to adult club level, alongside his six brothers, and enjoyed a hugely successful career, winning five Carrigdhoun JFC titles, two Cork JHC titles and two Cork IHC titles. Coleman also lined out with divisional side Carrigdhoun.[2]
Coleman first appeared on the inter-county scene with Cork as a member of the minor team in 1962.[3] He later spent one season with the under-21 team.[4] Coleman was a member of the intermediate team that won the All-Ireland IHC title in 1965.[5] He was drafted onto the senior team that same year and made a number of appearances in the National League over subsequent seasons. Coleman made his only championship appearance when he came on as a substitute in Cork's defeat by Tipperary in the 1968 Munster final.[6]
