At inter-county level, Lotty was part of the successful Cork minor team that won the All-Ireland Championship in 1938. He joined the Cork senior team in 1939. From his debut, Deane was ever-present as a corner-back or wing-back and made 30 Championship appearances in a career that ended with his last game in 1949. During that time he was part of five All-Ireland Championship-winning teams – in 1941, 1942, 1943, 1944 and 1946. Lotty also secured five Munster Championship medals and three National Hurling League medals.