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We Made It, Kid

Living life in full colour

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We Made It, Kid

By: Jackie McCarthy O'Brien
Narrated by: Jackie McCarthy O'Brien
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About this listen

'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 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 until becoming a TikTok star and LGBTQ+ icon in her sixties.

©2025 Jackie McCarthy O'Brien (P)2025 Bonnier Books UK Biographies & Memoirs Women Sports Funny Heartfelt Witty Rugby

Critic reviews

'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)
All stars
Most relevant
a few weeks back Jackie was on a podcast promoting this so I was intrigued. a great memoir from a person who seems to have lived around five lifetimes in one! Her narrating the highs and lows of her life makes the story telling even more compelling. highly recommended.

Excellent Listen

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loved listening to Jackie tell her story and so happy she has found happiness

great book

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