John O’Donaghue was a solicitor who was an influential figure in cricket in Swansea and Neath during the 1860s. Born in the Malvern Hills and privately educated in the Cotswolds, he was the son of Major John Jeffrey O’Donaghue and, after completing his legal studies, he moved to South Wales.
In all, John played six times for Glamorganshire with his debut coming in 1861 at Llanelly House when he played against Carmarthenshire. He was a decent all-rounder and took six wickets in each innings, but despite his excellence with the ball, Carmarthenshire won by three runs.
John had also been a member of the West Gloucestershire and played for them against the All-England XI in 1855, prior to making an appearance for a Gentlemen of Bristol’s XXII against the same opponents the following year. He made two further appearances against the wandering eleven, in 1858 and 1859, as he was chosen in the Monmouthshire side for the exhibition games which took place on the Newport Marshes.
He was also a member of the South Wales Cricket Club and went on their London tours in 1860 and 1862, besides guesting for Carmarthenshire in their match with Breconshire at Brecon in 1865. John was also a member of Cadoxton CC and in 1868 played for them against the United South of England at The Gnoll.
His last match of note was in July 1876 when he played in the South Wales CC’s trial match at the recently completed ground at St. Helen’s in Swansea. He subsequently moved to the London area.
O`DONAGHUE, John William
Born: Harcourt Villa, Malvern Wells, 3 May 1836.
Died: Maida Vale, London, 9 August 1925.