Cottrell first played hurling at juvenile and underage levels with the Toomevara club, winning numerous divisional championship titles before claiming a Tipperary U21HC title in 1995. He was still eligible for the minor grade when he won his first Tipperary SHC medal as sub goalkeeper in 1994.[3] Cottrell had succeeded Jody Grace as first-choice goalkeeper by the time Toomevara won four Tippearry SHC titles in-a-row team from 1998 to 2001.[4][5] He claimed further back-to-back titles in 2003 and 2004, before ending his club career by winning a Munster Club SHC medal in 2004.[6]
Cottrell first appeared on the inter-county scene for Tipperary as a member of the under-21 team. His three-year tenure from 1996 to 1998 ended without success as Cork dominated the Munster U21HC at this time.[7] Cottrell was drafted onto the senior team at just 20 and was sub goalkeeper to Brendan Cummins for the 1997 All-Ireland final defeat by Clare.[8] He was dropped off the panel the following year, but returned once again as sub goalkeeper from 2002 to 2004.[9]