Early Life
O'Connell was a star swimmer when he was younger, starting his training with Seal Swimming Club under the watchful guidance of John Dempsey and Jerry Ryan, before moving on to the Limerick squad. O'Connell attended the Model School and Ardscoil Rís in Limerick, and played rugby under Des Harty's tutelage, representing Irish Schools in 1997–98 along with international teammate Gordon D'Arcy. He also played five consecutive games with the Ireland U21s with Donncha O'Callaghan as his second row partner. O'Connell has completed 3 out of 4 years of a Computer Engineering degree at the University of Limerick, deferring the remainder of the degree in order to concentrate on rugby.
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