Spanish General O'Connor was a descendant of what is usually described in Irish history as the Flight of the Wild Geese at the end of the 17th century.
He was also interim Captain General of Catalonia (1767 and 1772-1773), In agreement with his predecessor, Ambrosio de Funes Villalpando, then Secretary of War, he attempted to implement the lottery for military service, which had been voluntary until then.
This caused serious incidents in Barcelona (the Quintes riot), which forced Ambrosio de Funes Villalpando to dismiss him.
He was created Count of Ofalia in 1776 by King Charles III of Spain, in remembrance of the Baronetcy of Ophaly, County Kildare, Ireland, where his family came from.
His title was inherited by Felix Maria de Salabert-O'Brien, the son of a grand niece of Bernard O'Connor.