Jimmy O'Brien
Encyclopedia
Jimmy O’Brien is a retired Irish
sportsperson. He played hurling with his local club Geraldine O’Hanrahans and with the Wexford
senior inter-county team from 1957 until 1968.
with his local club Geraldine O’Hanrahans in New Ross. He enjoyed some success with the club, culminating in the winning of a senior county title with the club in 1966.
senior team in 1957. He made his debut in a National Hurling League
game against Dublin
in January of that year. At the time Wexford were regarded as one of the best teams in the country, however, their form had dipped in recent years.
In 1958 Wexford made it to the final of the National League. Limerick
were the opponents on that occasion and O’Brien made a cameo appearance as a substitute. Wexford won a thrilling contest by 5-7 to 4-8 giving O’Brien his first major title.
Two years later in 1960 O’Brien was the regular left corner-forward on the team. That year Wexford reached the Leinster final where Kilkenny
provided the opposition. After an exciting game Wexford emerged victorious by 3-10 to 2-11 giving O’Brien his first Leinster
title. This victory allowed Wexford to advance directly to the All-Ireland final where Tipperary
were the opponents. O’Brien’s side got off to a good start with a quick goal by Mick Hassett. A second goal was scored by Oliver ‘Hopper’ McGrath
just after the interval to put Wexford in the driving seat. With a minute to go the crowd invaded the pitch thinking that the game was over. When the disorder was cleared Tipp continued but only had twelve players on the field. Bill Moloughney scored a later point for Tipp; however, this was not entered into the official records. It was too later in any case as Wexford won by 2-15 to 0-11 giving O’Brien his first All-Ireland
medal.
Wexford lost their provincial crown in 1961, however, O’Brien captured a second Leinster medal in 1962 as Kilkenny fell by 3-9 to 2-10. Another All-Ireland final meeting with Tipperary beckoned for Wexford and O’Brien. The Leinster men got off to a bad start as Tom Moloughney
and Seán Moloughney scored two goals for Tipp inside the first minute. Wexford fought back and the game remained level for most of the rest of the match. O’Brien himself scored a remarkable goal from all of seventy yards out. It was not enough for Wexford as Tipperary won the game by 3-10 to 2-11.
Wexford were outclassed in Leinster for the next two years, however, 1965 saw O’Brien add a third provincial medal to his collection as arch-rivals Kilkenny fell once again. Yet again Wexford faced Tipperary in the All-Ireland final. Of all their meetings in recent years this proved to be the most one-sided. Tipp won easily with two unorthodox hand-passed goals by Seán McLoughlin
. Tipp also scored seven unanswered points in the last quarter to win the game by 2-16 to 0-10.
In 1967 O’Brien was captain of the Wexford team as he captured a second National League medal. The following year he won his fourth and final Leinster title. Kilkenny, who were the reigning All-Ireland champions, were accounted for in the provincial decider on a score line of 3-13 to 4-9. For the fourth time of the decade Wexford subsequently faced Tipperary in the All-Ireland final with the Munster men leading by two victories to one. At half-time it looked as if Tipp were cruising to another victory as they took an eight point lead. Just after the restart Wexford had a Christy Jacob
goal disallowed before Tony Doran
scored a goal after just six minutes. Tipp fought back; however, it was too late as Wexford won by 5-8 to 3-12. It was O’Brien’s second All-Ireland medal. It also turned out to be his last game for Wexford as the knee trouble that had caused him trouble throughout recent seasons finally meant an end to his inter-county career.
in the inter-provincial hurling competition. He won his sole Railway Cup medal in 1965 as Leinster defeated Munster
.
Republic of Ireland
Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,...
sportsperson. He played hurling with his local club Geraldine O’Hanrahans and with the Wexford
Wexford GAA
The Wexford County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Wexford GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Wexford. The county board is also responsible for the Wexford inter-county teams.-History:Hurling has been played in...
senior inter-county team from 1957 until 1968.
Club
O’Brien played his club hurlingHurling
Hurling is an outdoor team game of ancient Gaelic origin, administered by the Gaelic Athletic Association, and played with sticks called hurleys and a ball called a sliotar. Hurling is the national game of Ireland. The game has prehistoric origins, has been played for at least 3,000 years, and...
with his local club Geraldine O’Hanrahans in New Ross. He enjoyed some success with the club, culminating in the winning of a senior county title with the club in 1966.
Inter-county
O’Brien first came to prominence on the inter-county scene with the WexfordWexford GAA
The Wexford County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Wexford GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Wexford. The county board is also responsible for the Wexford inter-county teams.-History:Hurling has been played in...
senior team in 1957. He made his debut in a National Hurling League
National Hurling League
The National Hurling League is an annual hurling competition between the county teams of Ireland. Contested by 35 teams , it operates on a system of promotion and relegation between four different divisions, with Division One...
game against Dublin
Dublin GAA
Dublin County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association , or Dublin GAA, is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Dublin. The county board is also responsible for the Dublin inter-county teams...
in January of that year. At the time Wexford were regarded as one of the best teams in the country, however, their form had dipped in recent years.
In 1958 Wexford made it to the final of the National League. Limerick
Limerick GAA
The Limerick County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Limerick GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Limerick...
were the opponents on that occasion and O’Brien made a cameo appearance as a substitute. Wexford won a thrilling contest by 5-7 to 4-8 giving O’Brien his first major title.
Two years later in 1960 O’Brien was the regular left corner-forward on the team. That year Wexford reached the Leinster final where Kilkenny
Kilkenny GAA
The Kilkenny County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland and is responsible for Gaelic Games in County Kilkenny. The county board has its head office and main grounds at Nowlan Park and is also responsible for Kilkenny inter-county teams...
provided the opposition. After an exciting game Wexford emerged victorious by 3-10 to 2-11 giving O’Brien his first Leinster
Leinster Senior Hurling Championship
The Leinster GAA Hurling Championship is an annual hurling competition organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1888 for the top hurling teams in the province of Leinster in Ireland....
title. This victory allowed Wexford to advance directly to the All-Ireland final where Tipperary
Tipperary GAA
The Tipperary County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or C is one of over 30 regional executive boards throughout the world. These executive boards are known as County Boards even though some no longer correspond to the area under the jurisdiction of the counties from which their names...
were the opponents. O’Brien’s side got off to a good start with a quick goal by Mick Hassett. A second goal was scored by Oliver ‘Hopper’ McGrath
Oliver McGrath
Oliver 'Hopper' McGarth is a former Irish sportsman. He played hurling with his local club Faythe Harriers and with the Wexford senior inter-county team in the 1950s and 1960s.-Club:...
just after the interval to put Wexford in the driving seat. With a minute to go the crowd invaded the pitch thinking that the game was over. When the disorder was cleared Tipp continued but only had twelve players on the field. Bill Moloughney scored a later point for Tipp; however, this was not entered into the official records. It was too later in any case as Wexford won by 2-15 to 0-11 giving O’Brien his first All-Ireland
All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship
The GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship is an annual hurling competition organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1887 for the top hurling teams in Ireland....
medal.
Wexford lost their provincial crown in 1961, however, O’Brien captured a second Leinster medal in 1962 as Kilkenny fell by 3-9 to 2-10. Another All-Ireland final meeting with Tipperary beckoned for Wexford and O’Brien. The Leinster men got off to a bad start as Tom Moloughney
Tom Moloughney
Tom Moloughney was an Irish sportsperson. He played hurling with his local club Kilruane McDonagh's and was a member of the Tipperary senior inter-county team from 1960 until 1963. Moloughney won two All-Ireland titles, three Munster titles and two National Hurling League titles with...
and Seán Moloughney scored two goals for Tipp inside the first minute. Wexford fought back and the game remained level for most of the rest of the match. O’Brien himself scored a remarkable goal from all of seventy yards out. It was not enough for Wexford as Tipperary won the game by 3-10 to 2-11.
Wexford were outclassed in Leinster for the next two years, however, 1965 saw O’Brien add a third provincial medal to his collection as arch-rivals Kilkenny fell once again. Yet again Wexford faced Tipperary in the All-Ireland final. Of all their meetings in recent years this proved to be the most one-sided. Tipp won easily with two unorthodox hand-passed goals by Seán McLoughlin
Seán McLoughlin
Seán McLoughlin is a retired Irish sportsperson. He played hurling with his local club Thurles Sarsfields and with the Tipperary senior inter-county team from 1958 until 1969.-References:-Teams:...
. Tipp also scored seven unanswered points in the last quarter to win the game by 2-16 to 0-10.
In 1967 O’Brien was captain of the Wexford team as he captured a second National League medal. The following year he won his fourth and final Leinster title. Kilkenny, who were the reigning All-Ireland champions, were accounted for in the provincial decider on a score line of 3-13 to 4-9. For the fourth time of the decade Wexford subsequently faced Tipperary in the All-Ireland final with the Munster men leading by two victories to one. At half-time it looked as if Tipp were cruising to another victory as they took an eight point lead. Just after the restart Wexford had a Christy Jacob
Christy Jacob
Christy Jacob is a retired Irish sportsperson. He played hurling with his local club Oulart-the Ballagh and with the Wexford senior inter-county team from 1966 until 1973.-Club:...
goal disallowed before Tony Doran
Tony Doran
Tony Doran is a former Irish sportsperson. He played hurling with Wexford in the 1960s and 1970s.-Early life:Tony Doran was born in Boolavogue, County Wexford in 1946. He was educated locally and first started playing hurling in the Nicky Rackard Under-14 League. Doran later joined the famous...
scored a goal after just six minutes. Tipp fought back; however, it was too late as Wexford won by 5-8 to 3-12. It was O’Brien’s second All-Ireland medal. It also turned out to be his last game for Wexford as the knee trouble that had caused him trouble throughout recent seasons finally meant an end to his inter-county career.
Provincial
O’Brien also lined out with LeinsterLeinster GAA
The Leinster Council is a Provincial council of the Gaelic Athletic Association sports of hurling, Gaelic football, camogie, rounders and handball in the province of Leinster. The Leinster Council has been partnered with the European County Board to help develop Gaelic Games in Europe...
in the inter-provincial hurling competition. He won his sole Railway Cup medal in 1965 as Leinster defeated Munster
Munster GAA
The Munster Council is a Provincial council of the Gaelic Athletic Association sports of hurling, Gaelic football, camogie, rounders and handball in the province of Munster.-Constituent counties:*Cork*Clare*Kerry*Limerick*Tipperary*Waterford-Honours:...
.