 On 17 June 2004, he angered Brian Lara when Lara refused to walk after being apparently caught behind.Ireland caused an upset when they went on to win the match, with O'Brien scoring 58* off 57 balls.In 2006 he was banned for one ICC Intercontinental Cup match after an outburst criticising the groundsman at an Intercontinental Cup game with Scotland because of condition of the pitch.