Michael Aloysius O'Connell (20 April 1900 – 27 January 1966) was an Irish hurler who played as a midfielder at senior level for the Cork county team.
As a member of the Munster inter-provincial team on a number of occasions, O'Connell won one Railway Cup medal.
After reaching the final of the club championship, "the Barr's" were granted a walkover from Blackrock as they couldn't field a team due to sustaining several injuries in the semi-final.
[1] St Finbarr's and Blackrock qualified for a dream championship decider again in 1923, however, "the Barr's" were not granted a walkover on this occasion.
After a fierce hour of hurling St Finbarr's narrowly won by 0–6 to 1–2, with O'Connell collecting a second championship medal.
Blackrock, containing ten of the side that had represented Cork in the All-Ireland decider just a short few weeks beforehand, were deemed unstoppable as they set out to secure a third successive title.
Carrigtwohill provided the opposition, however, the Barr's played with a strong wind in the first half and were 2–1 ahead before Carrig's first score.
In spite of this, a narrow 5–3 to 4–4 score line secured the title for St Finbarr's and a fourth championship medal for O'Connell.
"Gah" Ahern ran riot scoring 5–4, a record for an All-Ireland final, as Cork triumphed by 6–12 to 1–0.
Cork exited the championship at the first hurdle in 1930, however, O'Connell finished the year by winning a National Hurling League medal following a 3–5 to 3–0 defeat of Dublin the decider.
The first half was closely contested, with a goal from "Gah" Ahern helping Cork to a half-time lead of 1–3 to 0–2.
Kilkenny's Lory Meagher was playing the best hurling of his career at this time and scored a magnificent point from 90 yards out the field.
It was also suggested at a meeting of Central Council that both teams be declared joint champions and that half an All-Ireland medal by given to each player.
As the All-Ireland saga went to a third meeting on 1 November 1931, Kilkenny's captain Meagher was ruled out of the game because of broken ribs sustained in the first replay.
Such was the esteem in which he was held the game was virtually conceded to Cork since the star player couldn't play.