O'Connell first played
hurling as a schoolboy in the School Shield competition with Coachford National School. His performances in this grade later resulted in him being selected as goalkeeper for various
Aghabullogue juvenile teams. He also lined out as a
Gaelic footballer with
Macroom and won a Cork MFC title in 1948. After returning to Aghabullogue in 1949, O'Connell was in goal when the club won that year's
Mid Cork JHC title. It was the first of four such titles in a six-year period. O'Connell transferred to the
Blackrock after Aghabullogue received a 12-month suspension in 1956. It was a successful decision as the club won their first
Cork SHC title in 25 years that year. O'Connell won a second SHC title in 1961 after a defeat of
Avondhu. O'Connell's performances at club level resulted in a call-up to the
Cork senior hurling team. He lined out at right corner-forward when Cork were beaten by
Waterford in the
1959 Munster final. O'Connell ended his hurling career back with the Aghabullogue club where he served as a
selector and administrator. ==Death==