Plunkett Donaghy


Plunkett Donaghy is a former Tyrone Gaelic footballer. He won three Ulster Senior Football Championship medals and an All Star in 1986. He lives in The Moy, Co. Tyrone.

Background

Donaghy is one of nine children to Pat and Maisie Donaghy. Donaghy's father Pat played for Moy and Tyrone and was on the county panel when Tyrone won their first-ever Ulster Senior Football Championships in 1956 and 1957. His mother Maisie, originally from Brackaville, was a widely acclaimed Irish folk singer whose success brought her on tour around the world.
Donaghy is married with six children. His father-in-law is legendary football manager Dessie Ryan, a former footballer for Tyrone and New York who coached Queen's University Belfast to two victories in the Sigerson Cup and is considered one of the most influential men in GAA history.
Plunkett's brother Colm also played for Tyrone. He is a second cousin to two-time All Star winning former Derry footballer Joe Brolly. His mother Maisie was a first cousin of Brolly's mother Ann, Maisie's mother Bridget and Brolly's grandfather Joe, being sister and brother. He is also cousin to Monaghan Defender/Forward Vincent Corey.

Career

Donaghy was part of the Tyrone team that went to their first All Ireland Final in 1986, against Kerry, and won an All Star Award for his contributions. He captained Tyrone to a further Ulster Championship success in 1989. He also played for Ireland against Australia.

Legacy

His playing abilities, being part of the first successful Tyrone team, put him among the greats of Tyrone football. Donaghy was known for his great ability to catch a ball, and he was instantly recognisable on the pitch due to his "shaggy" blond hair. Donaghy stands at 6 ft tall.