Willie O’Connor (born 14 March 1967) is an Irish retired hurler who played as a left corner-back for the Kilkenny senior team.
O'Connor made his first appearance for the team during the 1988–89 National League and was a regular member of the starting fifteen until his retirement prior to the 2001 championship.
After surrendering their title in 1988 and losing the championship decider to Ballyhale Shamrocks the following year, O'Connor's side reached the final again in 1990.
He subsequently joined the county's senior team, making his debut against Waterford in a National Hurling League game in late 1988.
The opening thirty-five minutes saw both sides trade score-for-score, however, a controversial 20-metre free, miss-hit by Michael Cleary, landed in the net and gave Tipp a lead which they never surrendered.
Two more goals by John Power and Michael Phelan in the second-half secured a win for Kilkenny and a first All-Ireland winners' medal for O'Connor.
[4] He was later honoured with his first All-Star award In 1993 O'Connor's brother Eddie was captain as Kilkenny remained on top of the hurling world.
A defeat of Wexford gave O'Connor his second Leinster winners' medal while he later lined out in his second successive All-Ireland final, this time against Galway.
At the start of the year O'Connor won his first National Hurling League title as Kilkenny defeated Clare.
The defeated Leinster finalists had certainly learned from their mistakes with Joe Errity and Brian Whelahan scoring key goals.
That year he won his fourth Leinster title as Offaly, the All-Ireland champions, fell heavily by 5–14 to 1–16 in the provincial final.
A poor game on a wet day gave one of the youngest Cork teams ever the All-Ireland title on a score line of 0–13 to 0–12.
Further goals by Charlie Carter and Eddie Brennan saw Kilkenny win on a score line of 5–15 to 1–14 and allowed O'Connor capture his third All-Ireland medal.
When Brian Cody announced his twenty nine-man panel prior to the opening of the summer campaign, O'Connor was not included.
Throughout his inter-provincial career, O'Connor's commitment to the Leinster team and his ability to perform at the highest level further solidified his reputation as a notable figure in Irish hurling.
His experiences in the Railway Cup series were not only about victories and defeats but also about the camaraderie, sportsmanship, and pride associated with representing one's province in this prestigious competition.