Jim O’Brien died on 14 March 2022 aged 74.
Jim O’Brien played just one season for the Club, in 1966-67, but he also played 1st Grade for Waverley, Nth Sydney and UNSW between 1969 and 1981.
He was a neat keeper who kept wickets in 2nd Grade for SUCC in 1966-67 at a time when the Club was replete with keepers of 1st Grade standard: John Madgwick, who represented NSW Colts, Alan Crompton and Scott Harbison all stood ahead of him. His 2nd Grade captain, Ted Le Couteur, however, wrote: “Rarely are the seconds favoured with such a good keeper.” He scored valuable runs and took 20 dismissals, in addition to 12 dismissals he took in the Poidevin Gray side and was always considered to be a fine team player who was universally liked and respected.
In 136 games in 1st Grade for his three other clubs, Jim scored 1668 runs @17.9 and took 221 dismissals. He played in UNSW’s initial 1st Grade premiership in 1976-77.
Jim did wonderful work for people with disabilities including those who played wheelchair sports and was deservedly honoured with the Order of Australia Medal.
The Club’s sympathies are extended to Jim’s family especially to his two daughters and two grandchildren.
SUCC 1966-67
2ND Grade and Poidevin Gray: 196 runs and 32 dismissals.
James Rodgers