Born in Rathkenny, County Meath, Heery first arrived on the inter-county scene at the age of twenty-two when he first linked up with the Meath senior team, making his debut during the 1949 championship. Heery went on to play a key role for Meath, and won one All-Ireland medal and two Leinster medals. He was an All-Ireland runner-up on one occasion.
At club level Heery was a one-time championship medallist with divisional side North Meath. He also played with club side Rathkenny.
His nephew, Mick O'Dowd, was also an All-Ireland medallist with Meath.[3]
Heery retired from inter-county football following the conclusion of the 1951 championship.
