Career
Born in , O'Connell first excelled at hurling during his schooling at Terenure College. He arrived on the inter-county scene at the age of twenty-four when he first linked up with the senior team. After a year as a substitute he made his debut in the 1932 championship.
He was an All-Ireland runner-up on two occasions. O'Connell also represented the inter-provincial team at various times, winning two Railway Cup medals. At club level he enjoyed a lengthy career with Dicksboro.
His retirement came following 's defeat by Dublin in the 1941 championship.
