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: Biography, Nonfiction

217 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 · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Rita Egan · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Emma Mc · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Aimee Quaide · Rating 3 out of 5]

Parts were just recounting what happened during matches

[Sarah Cleary · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.