Heart on My Sleeve: My story of struggle and strength WINNER AT THE IRISH BOOK AWARDS 2025

by Andrew Porter

SHORTLISTED FOR THE IRISH BOOK AWARDS 2025

'Fascinating - a great read' - Miriam O'Callaghan

'Brilliant, absolutely terrific' - Matt Cooper

With a foreword by Richie Sadlier

From the heartbreak of losing his mother to breast cancer at just 12 years old, to battling mental health struggles throughout his teens, Andrew Porter's journey is one of extraordinary resilience. In this deeply personal and inspiring account, the Irish rugby star opens up about the challenges that shaped him - on and off the pitch.

With honesty and heart, Andrew shares how rugby became his lifeline, guiding him from the gym floor to the world stage. He reflects on the emotional highs and lows of his career, including earning 75 caps for Ireland, winning three Six Nations titles and becoming one of the sport's most respected figures. This is more than a story of athletic triumph - it's a testament to the power of perseverance, vulnerability, and the human spirit.

Genres: Memoir, Biography, Nonfiction

218 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 7, 2025

About the author

Andrew Porter (born 26 August 1928), is a British music critic, scholar, organist, and opera director.


Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

This is the profile for the music critic.

Reviews

[Caroline]

Open and honest. A very decent man and good role model to young boys.

[Rita Egan]

I had to read this because my family have been following Andrew Porter since he exploded onto the rugby scene and immediately made his presence count. My sons adore him and him sharing the loss of his beloved mother when he was only 12 ensured a little spot in my heart. He is such a dynamic player and brings much entertainment whenever he lines out for Leinster, for Ireland and for the Lions.

He is a lovely young man and I love that he overcame his reticence to write this book which hopefully will find it's way into the hands of many of the young people who are struggling with mental health at the moment.

[Hannah Kehoe]

I really appreciated Andrew’s honesty about grief, mental health, and the importance of talking openly about both. It's refreshing to see someone in his position share such a vulnerable side of themselves.
The book felt a little all over the place at times, so while I admired the message, the structure & pacing made it hard to stay engaged.

[Emma Mc]

I'm not usually a reader of non-fiction books but I am a big fan of rugby and was curious about reading Andrew Porter's book. He comes across as down to earth and I even laughed a few times during the course of reading it. I'd definitely reread this book

[Sarah]

Though I loved the openness and vulnerablity, the book could have done with a better edit. It was so repetitive and the time lines were all over the place. I'm glad Porter told his story, but I feel he could have been supported better in telling it.

[Aimee Quaide]

Parts were just recounting what happened during matches

[Michaela McCarthy]

A very powerful and insightful read. Only knew very basic information about Andrew’s life before I read this book and did not realise half of the struggles he had growing up. Andrew has done so well for himself and deserves every success in his life.

[Sarah Cleary]

I can take or leave an autobiography hence the 3 stars. But it was really good for what it was - honest, insightful and heartwarming at times.

[Irtiza Mirza]

First book that i have read and completed in 2026.

Enjoyed reading this thoroughly as it dives deep into the mental health struggles of men, especially in the form of grief because of the loss of a loved one. The book details about physical, mental and emotional struggles through the lens of Irish rugby union player - Andrew Porter.

Mr Porter lost his mum at an early age and life wasn’t easy for him growing up. He had to navigate his way through childhood, teenagehood and adulthood all while staying laser focused on Rugby because he truly cherished the sport. 🏉

The book is a rollercoaster ride of emotions- it will make you teary eyed, make you laugh out loud and make you laser focused into Training (in the gym) - // something that i always look forward to.

#happyreading
#firstbookof2026

[Laura Hanson]

This is a must-read for me as I’m a huge rugby fan. But this book goes beyond the pitch - Andrew Porter’s story is heartfelt, uplifting and inspiring. Hearing about his struggles, challenges and ambition to succeed, you’ll be rooting for him all the way. From his mum passing when he was younger to being called up for the British and Irish Lions Tour 2025, Porter shares the details of his life with a quiet and underrated stoicism.

I think it’s truly commendable that a legend of the game has written about his mental health challenges so candidly and I can only imagine how many people will benefit from this.

I’ve always had a lot of respect for Andrew Porter as a fan of the game and I have to say this just tops it for me 👏🏻🍀

[Damien]

I like the player and I did enjoy the sections learning about his life after the death of his mother, and his struggles with eating, ADHD and mental health.

But I found a lot of the writing was quite repetitive and many sections felt like reading a university essay paper, rather than an autobiography.

But if you have an interest in the player, it's a perfectly fine, easy-read book.

[Keith Brennan]

Excellent book, so we'll written and very honest and frank about his life experiences and battles with mental health. The only reason I'm giving it 4 and not 5 is the amount of minor errors thrown in (i.e says Jack Crowley kicked two drop goals Vs SA in one chapter, then says Frawley kicked them in the next. La Rochelle in the 2025 Heineken Cup semi??)

[Manuscripts M]

Heart on My Sleeve is incredibly open and honest. I really appreciated how it dives deeply into themes of grief, mental health, eating disorders, and ADHD. It does a fantastic job of focusing on Andrew Porter the man, rather than just the rugby player.

Would recommend to not just rugby fans but to people who love to read open and honest biographies.

[Shirley Power]

As sports autobiographies go this is very good. Andrew Porter is so honest and vulnerable about his struggles with mental health and the loss of his adored mum. This book will definitely help any young person who faces the same struggles. Well worth a read.

[Rachel]

Solid for a sports autobiography. Did not expect so many quotes from Marcus Aurelius. Or Nietzsche!