Courage, Identity and a Life in Full Colour
From growing up mixed-race in 1960s Ireland to representing her country in football and rugby, Jackie McCarthy O’Brien’s journey is one of courage, humour and resilience. We Made It, Kid is an inspiring memoir of sport, self-acceptance and living proudly in your truth.
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We Made It, Kid: Living Life in Full Colour
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Courage, Identity and a Life in Full Colour
From growing up mixed-race in 1960s Ireland to representing her country in football and rugby, Jackie McCarthy O’Brien’s journey is one of courage, humour and resilience. We Made It, Kid is an inspiring memoir of sport, self-acceptance and living proudly in your truth.
- Book Synopsis
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'Compelling, heartfelt and inspiring. I found this book so real, so honest. It has taught me about drive, ambition, persistence and love. And what it means to be really Irish! A triumphant story of achievement in a world made for men!' – Katriona O'Sullivan, author of Poor
Jackie McCarthy O'Brien has led a truly remarkable life, from being born in 1961 to an Irish mother and Jamaican father (whom she never met) in Birmingham to growing up in Limerick.
She was put in an industrial school as a baby by a priest for being an "illegitimate" Black child and not recovered by her mother until she was five. As a teen she excelled at sport and played for Ireland in soccer, but when she was sexually harassed by a coach she changed to the Irish rugby team. She got married at 21 before accepting her sexual feelings for women and leaving the marriage with her three young children.
Always a hilarious raconteur, this memoir tells her extraordinary story up to becoming a TikTok star and LGBTQ+ icon in her sixties.
- About The Author
- Jacqueline "Jackie" McCarthy O'Brien is a former Irish International and rugby player. She played forward for Republic of Ireland women's national football team. McCarthy O'Brien represented Ireland 13 times each in soccer (1981-1993) and rugby (1994-1998). She was the country's first mixed-race player in both games. A vocal advocate against racism, in 2021, she appeared on the Claire Byrne show speaking on the subject. She is openly gay and has participated in Limerick Pride events. Her daughter Sam McCarthy is also a football player.
- Product Details
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- ISBN
- 9781804441848
- Format
- Paperback
- Publisher
- Eriu, (02 October 2025)
- Number of Pages
- 288
- Weight
- 302 grams
- Language
- English
- Dimensions
- 234 x 152 x 19 mm
- Categories: