Masters first came to prominence on the inter-county scene as a member of the Cork minor football team in 2000. That year, as captain of the team, he won a Munster winners' medal in that competition following a 1–13 ro 0–14 defeat of arch-rivals Kerry. Cork later qualified for the All-Ireland final, with Mayo providing the opposition. A close game followed, however, at the full-time whistle Cork were the champions by 2–12 to 0–13. Not only did Masters collect an All-Ireland minor winners' medal that day but he also had the honour of collecting the cup on behalf of his county.