after joining the galway under-21 team, donoghue made his first appearance on 21 august 1993. he lined out at left wing-back in a 1-09 to 1-07 defeat of cork in the all-ireland semi-final. donoghue retained his position on the starting fifteen for the all-ireland final against kilkenny on 3 october. he collected a winners' medal following the 2-09 to 3-03 victory.