Donnelly first played Gaelic football to a high standard as a schoolboy at St Mel's College.
He later became a member of the University College Galway team that reached four successive Sigerson Cup finals between 1961 and 1964, winning three titles in 1961, 1963 and 1964.
His adult club career lasted for nearly 25 years and spanned four decades, during which time he won Longford SFC medals in 1959, 1961, 1971 and as player-manager in 1975.
[4] Two years later, Donnelly added a Leinster SFC medal to his collection after Longford claimed their first ever title.
[7] Born in 1940, Donnelly received his primary education at Drumlish NS and Melview, before he attended St Mel's College.