Devaney made his debut on the inter-county scene at the age of sixteen when he was selected for the Tipperary minor team. He enjoyed two undefeated championship seasons in this grade, winning back-to-back All-Ireland medals in 1952 and 1953. He was added to the Tipperary senior panel during the 1954 championship before making his debut during the 1954-55 league. Over the course of the following fourteen seasons Devaney became one of Tipperary's most versatile players and won five All-Ireland medals, beginning with a lone triumph in 1958, followed by four championships in five seasons between 1961 and 1965. He also won eight Munster medals, eight National Hurling League medals and was named Hurler of the Year in 1961. He played his last game for Tipperary in October 1968 and played senior hurling for Tipperary in every position except full back.