donoghue was drafted onto the galway minor team in advance of the 1991 all-ireland championship. he made his first appearance on 9 august when he lined out at left corner-back in a 1-16 apiece draw with kilkenny in the all-ireland semi-final. donoghue was switched to left wing-back for the all-ireland final against waterford on 8 september. he ended the game with a winners' medal following a 1-13 to 2-04 victory.