Doran won a ninth championship medal in 1988 as Buffer's Alley put a halt to Rathnure's quest for a third successive title. He later collected a second Leinster medal as Ballyhale Shamrocks were defeated by 1–12 to 1–9. O'Donovan Rossa provided the opposition in the subsequent All-Ireland final on 17 March 1989. Rossa's five-point lead was hauled back with a Séamus O'Leary goal while Henry Butler was the hero in goal. A 2–12 to 0–12 victory gave 42-year-old Doran an All-Ireland Senior Club Hurling Championship medal.