James O'Brien (1945 – 19 August 2020) was an Irish hurler. At club level he played as a centre-back for Bruree and was the left corner-back on the Limerick senior hurling team that won the 1973 All-Ireland Championship. O'Brien's skill was recognised at an early age when he won a South Limerick school's medal with Bruree National School, before an unrewarding spell at Rathluirc CBS. His career at club level with Bruree spanned three decades.