at inter-county level, donoghue, along with his twin brother liam, was part of the successful galway minor team that won the all-ireland championship in 1992 before later winning an all-ireland championship with the under-21 team in 1993. he also joined the galway senior team in 1993. donoghue's senior career was hampered by injuries, however, he made a number of national league and championship appearances in a career that ended with his last game in 1996. his final season with the team saw him claim national league and connacht championship medals.