Inter-county
Coleman first came to prominence on the inter-county scene as a member of the Cork intermediate hurling team in 2003. That year he won a Munster winners' medal following a 2-12 to 0-11 defeat of Waterford. He later lined out in the All-Ireland final with Kilkenny providing the opposition. In a classic game of hurling both sides were still level at the full-time whistle. There was little to separate the sides in a period of extra-time, however, Cork narrowly emerged victorious by 1-21 to 0-23.
Around this time Coleman also became a member of the Cork senior hurling panel. Since 2003 he has won three Munster and two All-Ireland winners' medals, however, they have all been claimed as a non-playing substitute.
In 2008 Coleman made an unexpected debut for the senior team. In an All-Ireland qualifier against Galway, regular goalkeeper Donal Óg Cusack was red-carded just before half-time. Coleman was quickly deployed into the goalkeeping position and had to immediately save a penalty. Joe Canning converted that penalty and Cork faced an uphill battle. 'The Rebels' fought back accordinglyand won the game by 0-23 to 2-15. Cusack returned as the goalkeeper for all subsequent championship games, however, Coleman was lauded for a fine performance in difficult circumstances.
Read more about this topic: Martin Coleman, Jnr, Playing Career