In 2001 Donoghue joined the Galway senior hurling panel, and was sub goalkeeper when Galway were defeated by Tipperary in the All Ireland Final of that year. In 2003 Donoghue returned to the Galway senior team as the first-choice goalkeeper. Won a National League Title in 2004, and was appointed captain in 2005, steering his native-county to an All-Ireland final showdown with Cork, however, Galway lost the game by four points. He was named team captain again for the 2006 team.