Niall’s death shocked us all, says teammate Hayes

Galway hurling star Damien Hayes has opened up on his close friend Niall Donoghue’s sudden death, admitting there were absolutely no warning signs.

Hayes and Donoghue were team-mates on Galway’s Leinster championship-winning team of 2012 and also contested that season’s All-Ireland final. But experienced forward Hayes admitted they formed a particularly close bond last season as they both lost their places in the first team.

Donoghue was found dead at his home last October just days before the Galway senior hurling final involving Hayes’ Portumna.