 Wexford defeated Offaly on that occasion, however, this competition was regarded as little more than a warm up for the National Hurling League.Two years later in 1981 O'Connor was one of the stars of the team, and he was presented with an All-Star award.Two years later in 1983 O'Connor had success on the football field as Wexford defeated Clare to win the Division 3 final of the National Football League.