On 21 September 1949, together with Con Martin, Johnny Carey and Peter Farrell, he was also a member of the Ireland team that defeated England 2–0 at Goodison Park, becoming the first non-UK team to beat England at home.
O'Connor first attracted attention while playing for Shamrock Rovers in the early part of the 1948–49 season.
He made his international debut on 8 September 1949 in a 3–0 win against Finland at Dalymount Park.
The game was a 1950 World Cup qualifier and O'Connor put in an impressive performance, helping the Irish win 3–0.
O'Connor was preferred over both Tommy Eglington and Jackie O'Driscoll for the game against England.