Heart on My Sleeve

In Heart on My Sleeve, Irish rugby star Andrew Porter delivers a raw, honest memoir of pain, perseverance, and personal triumph. From the heartbreaking loss of his mother to cancer at the age of 12 — to navigating teenage mental-health struggles — Andrew does not hold back. The story follows his journey from those early wounds to finding rugby as a lifeline and rising to become one of Ireland’s most respected athletes. 

💡 What’s Inside

• Formative trauma & emotional struggle — He shares how his mother’s death impacted him and his family, leading to mental health challenges through his adolescence. 

• Rugby as refuge and redemption — Rugby becomes more than a sport: a source of strength, purpose, and healing, shaping both his character and career. 

• Triumphs on the pitch — The book chronicles his rise: earning 75 caps for Ireland, securing multiple major titles including three Six Nations Championship wins, and establishing himself as a cornerstone of his team. 

• Personal growth, vulnerability & resilience — More than sport: it’s a story about grief, identity, vulnerability, growth — and learning to carry your past while moving forward.

⭐ Why It’s a Must-Read

• Honest and heartfelt: This isn’t a polished celebrity memoir — it’s a real, unfiltered account of loss, struggle, and healing.

• Inspiring journey: Shows how adversity can be transformed into resilience, hope, and success — a powerful message for anyone facing hardship.

• Rare insight into sport + soul: Offers a look not only at elite-level rugby, but at the emotional and psychological costs behind the glory.

• Award-winning/Acclaimed: The book was named 2025 Eason Sports Book of the Year — a strong endorsement of its impact and quality