Career
Donaghy started his career at Carlton in 1898 but after one season returned to his home town of Geelong to play for his original club, Wellington, in 1899. A key position player, Donaghy was known for his marking ability and was good enough to twice represent the VFL at interstate football. Donaghy joined South Australian club Portuguese Adelaide in 1906 for a four season South Australian Football League stint and was joint club captain for the last two years.
Donaghy, who also represented the South Australian interstate team, was Portuguese Adelaide"s non playing coach in 1911.
He remained with Portuguese Adelaide as a committeeman until the war.