Jimmy O'Brien
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Jimmy O'Brien (born 1937) is a former Irish sportsperson. He played hurling with Wexford in the 1960s.
Jimmy O'Brien was born near New Ross in County Wexford in 1937. He was educated locally and started playing hurling at a young age. He later joined the Geraldine O'Hanrahan's club in New Ross where his skills were nurtured and developed further. As a young player he was noted for the spped and tenacity of his play. In 1957 O’Brien joined the Wexford senior hurling panel. Playing at right wing-forward he made his senior debut in January 1958 in a National Hurling League against Dublin. O’Brien also came on as a substitute in the victorious National League final against Limerick later that year.
Two years later in 1960 O’Brien was a full member of the Wexford starting fifteen. He won his first Leinster medal that year before later claiming his first All-Ireland title following a win over Tipperary in the hurling upset of the decade. The 1960s would later prove to be a great era for the Wexford-Tipperary rivalry. Two years later in 1962 O’Brien captured his second Leinster title. Wexford’s opponents in the All-Ireland final were once again Tipperary, however, on this occasion the Munster men were victorious. In 1965 O’Brien won his third provincial medal, however, Tipperary were waiting for Wexford in the All-Ireland final yet again. O’Brien’s side were completely overwhelmed on the day, and Tipp won on a score line of 2-16 to 0-10.
In 1966 the Geraldine O’Hanrahan’s club won the Wexford SHC title. As a result of this O’Brien was appointed captain of the Wexford hurlers for 1967. That year he guided the team to another National league title, however, Wexford failed in the Leinster championship. In 1968 O’Brien collected his fourth provincial title with Wexford. For the fourth time in four meetings Tipperary turned out to be Wexford’s opponents in the All-Ireland final. After coming back from being 8-points behind at half-time, Wexford won the game by 5-8 to 3-12. It was O’Brien’s second All-Ireland medal, however, it turned out to be his last game for Wexford as he retired because of a knee injury.
| Wexford – All-Ireland Hurling Champions 1960 | ||
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1 P. Nolan | 2 John Mitchell | 3 N. O'Donnell (Capt.) | 4 T. Neville | 5 J. English | 6 Billy Rackard | 7 J. Nolan | 8 N. Wheeler | 9 J. Morrissey | 10 J. O'Brien | 11 P. Kehoe | 12 S. Quaid | 13 O, McGrath | 14 J. Harding | 15 T. Flood | Subs: S. Power | M. Morrissey | |
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