He was the first person to captain Queensland in both Australian rules football and cricket.

His son, Brian O'Connor, also played both cricket and Australian rules football for Queensland.

[1] He made his first appearance for Queensland in 1913 and was a regular for the state whenever they played a first class match over the following decade and a half.

When Queensland made their Sheffield Shield debut in 1926-27 O'Connor was named as their inaugural captain.

Their first game was against New South Wales at Brisbane and with Queensland set 400 to win in the 4th innings he opened the batting and made 196 before being run out.