donoghue was added to the galway senior panel prior to the start of the 1993-94 national league. he made his first appearance on 31 october 1994 when he lined out at left wing-back in a 2-15 to 2-09 defeat of down. on 7 may 1994, donoghue was named amongst the substitutes when galway faced tipperary in the national league final. he was introduced for tom helebert in the 2-14 to 0-12 defeat. donoghue made his first championship appearance in a 2-21 to 2-06 defeat of roscommon in the all-ireland quarter-final on 17 july.