Twin link-up could see Galway and Mayo playing a few hurling challenge matches next year

They shared a womb and now they share a passion.

Michael Donoghue took all the end-of-year GAA headlines with his appointment as Galway senior hurling manager but Anthony Cunningham's successor is not the only Donoghue to make a move into the intercounty game. His twin brother Liam joined JP Coen's Mayo backroom team earlier in December. Like Michael, Liam has done a stint as Clarinbridge manager, having played in goal for the club when Michael managed them to All-Ireland glory in 2011. A former Galway goalkeeper, Liam managed the county's camogie team in 2008 and 2009 before following ion his brother's footsteps and taking on the Clarinbridge seniors this year. Mayo are operating a few rungs below their Connacht neighbours. Relegated from the Christy Ring Cup last year, what better way to prepare for the Nicky Rackard campaign than a challenge match against last year's beaten All-Ireland finalists?