O'Brien later became a regular member of the starting fifteen, however, he ended his playing days without any Tier1 silverware, although he did win two NHL Div2 titles - 1960 & 1965.
As a member of the Leinster inter-provincial team on a number of occasions he won three Railway Cup medals.
O’Brien’s senior inter-county career was a frustrating one as Laois were down the pecking order in terms of the hurling standard in Leinster.
[citation needed] He played a total of 66 times for Laois (24 SHC, 41 NHL & 1 Walsh Cup).
At the time of his retirement, his 41 league appearances were only behind Harry Gray (44) and Paddy Lalor (43) in terms of Laois records.