Willie O'Connor
Willie O’Connor (born 14 March 1967) is an Irish retired hurler who played as a left corner-back for the Kilkenny senior team. O'Connor made his first appearance for the team during the 1988–89 National League and was a regular member of the starting fifteen until his retirement prior to the 2001 championship. During that time he has won three All-Ireland winners' medals, five Leinster winners' medals, one National League winners' medal and four All-Star awards. In 2000 O'Connor captained the team to the All-Ireland title. At club level O'Connor is a one-time All-Ireland medalist with Glenmore. In addition to this he has also won one Leinster winners' medal and five county championship winners' medals. O'Connor's brother, Eddie, is also an All-Ireland-winning captain with Kilkenny. Playing career Club O'Connor played his club hurling with Glenmore and enjoyed much success as the club became a new force in hurling throughout the 1980s and 1990s. In 1987 Glenmore reached the final of the county senior championship with Ballyhale Shamrocks providing the opposition. An exciting game developed over the hour, and a 4–10 to 3–9 victory gave O'Connor his first county winners' medal. After surrendering their title in 1988 and losing the championship decider