Rencontre with Katriona O'Sullivan

As the middle child of five growing up in dire poverty, the odds were low on Katriona O'Sullivan making anything of her life. She became a mother at 15 and ended up homeless. Five rackety years followed - barely coping, drinking to escape - until Katriona, now living in her father's native Dublin, hit rock bottom.


An Post Irish Book of the Year 2023, Poor is the extraordinary story of how one woman turned her life around. During her schooldays there had been teachers who looked out for Katriona - beacons of stability in a chaotic childhood, who planted seeds of self-belief. In Dublin when she sought help, she found mentors whose encouragement revived that self-belief. She got her act together, got a flat and a job as a cleaner, and got into Trinity College. Today, Dr. Katriona O'Sullivan is an award-winning lecturer whose work explores barriers to education. Despite her professional success, and her happiness in marriage and as a loving mother, Katriona lives with the indelible legacy of her early years. Her book - moving, funny, brave, and sometimes startling - is a stirring argument for the importance of looking out for our kids, of giving them hope, practical support and meaningful opportunities. This evening we are delighted to welcome Katriona to the CCI to present the French translation, Pauvre, newly published by Sabine Wespieser éditeur.