Donnacha Minogue (1952-2025)
On behalf of the Kilruane MacDonaghs GAA & Camogie Club, I would like to pay this tribute to Donnacha. I have been asked to keep it short, so I will try and heed the advice of Franklin D Roosevelt to be sincere, to be brief and to be seated.
Donnacha first played juvenile hurling in 1966. Four years later, he won his first medal when he lined out at corner-back on the minor football team that overcame Silvermines in the North final. The same year, Donnacha was part of the U21 football panel that won the North championship with a victory over Silvermines.
In 1972, he wore the number four jersey on the U21 hurling team that won the club’s inaugural title in this grade. Donnacha formed a formidable full-back line with Kevin Dwan and Philly Reddan. No prisoners were taken in the victory over Roscrea. The Guardian reporter praised the trio but was less than impressed with their methods stating: “If one could find fault with the inside backline, it might be said that much of their tackling was a bit robust and they could have achieved their aims without a lot of the carry on they indulged in.“ One can only speculate what the carry on might have been. In defence of Donnacha and his colleagues, it should be pointed out that the primary task of a fullback line in that era was to prevent the inside forwards inflicting grievous bodily harm on the goalkeeper. The same year, Donnacha won a North senior football medal.
In 1973, he won his second divisional U21 hurling medal and added a County medal after a victory over the Clonoulty Annacarty combination in Holycross. For good measure, he collected his second North U21 football medal.
1975 was a vintage year for Donnacha. The Kilruane MacDonaghs senior football team caused a sensation by defeating famed Loughmore Castleiney in the final played in Nenagh. The Tipperary Star reported that “Donnacha Minogue was a great-hearted corner and later wing-back.” A photo of that team was recently posted on the club’s social media pages. There have been some less than complimentary comments on both the volume and length of the hair that adorned the heads of many players, including Donnacha’s. Those posting the comments were probably unaware that there was a prolonged barbers’ strike in 1975.
To cap a wonderful year for Donnacha, he played on the junior hurling team that got the better of Templederry in the North final. The Guardian reporter was lavish in his praise of Donnacha remarking that “Minogue was a revelation at centre-forward making oceans of room for his colleagues with strong breaks down the centre.” His transfer to the forwards caused sleepless nights for opposing defenders and goalkeepers. Donnacha had a particular dislike for goalkeepers when he operated on the forwards. I don’t think it was anything personal. In fact, some of his best friends were goalkeepers. It was just the sight of that distinctive goalkeeper’s jersey was like a red rag to a bull.
1976 was his last season playing football. Donnacha was a reluctant but very effective footballer, and his tigerish tacking gave many a forward a torrid time. 1978 was a memorable year for Donnacha when he captained the intermediate team to North and County honours. He continued playing until 1980. His final game was for the junior team that lost the North final. Donnacha retired quietly with no fanfare or fuss. There was no social media post on Twitter or Tik Tok to announce his departure. He had played his part. He had done his bit. It was time to pass on the baton.
Donnacha had played for fifteen years and pocketed eleven medals. As both an attacker and defender, he was committed and courageous. His hurling was direct and uncomplicated. Donnacha had no reverse gear, a warrior in the black and white. He was blessed with burning pace, and he used this to great effect as a tenacious defender and an aggressive attacker. Donnacha played as he trained, hard and fair. No quarter was asked and less was given.
Donnacha was well able to deal with the physical and verbal intimidation that were part and parcel of games. On one occasion, he was the recipient of some verbal abuse from a hurley carrying mentor. Donnacha calmly made his way to the sideline. A well-timed pull left the hurleys in smithereens and splinters flying in all directions. That was the end of the abuse.
Hurling wasn’t life or death for Donnacha. He enjoyed the game but didn’t let it dominate his life. Donnacha was a great character on the field and an even better one off it. I was glad I played with and not against Donnacha. He would have been a formidable and fearless foe.
On behalf of the club, I would like to extend sympathy to Eileen, Jennifer, Kevin and the Minogue family.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
