Your Hero of 2021

I have two heroes: my Ma and my Nanny.

Villain of 2021

Covid is up there for me. The madness of it all and how everybody’s worlds have just been turned upside down. Us amazing humans are finding what gives us connection and freedom through things that have always been outside our doors. Nature!

Best Personal Moment

I have two, because it's quite hard to narrow down. My first book being published, Nanny, Ma & Me and producing my first short film, The Colour Between. It's been year of growth, and I’m so grateful for everything that has entered my life.

Best Movie or TV show

Wow, what a year for TV and film. So much greatness to choose from but Deadly Cuts for me was special. A female-led film is always so refreshing to see. I laughed a lot and laughter is the medicine we all need in our life’s.

Best Record

KAYTRANADA, 'Intimidated (feat. H.E.R.)'. I regularly put this on and just dance like a mad woman. Therapy for the soul, I guess.

Best Book

I had the pleasure of reading Trouble by Marise Gaughan, which is due to be released April 2022. I couldn’t put this down. A brave, honest, witty, new Irish voice that has a very bright future ahead of her. Watch out for this book. She has a voice and is not afraid to use it.

Best Thing I Saw Online

Home, which The Abbey Theatre presented. Home was a direct response to the report on Mother and Baby Homes, focusing on the testimonies of survivors. It was brought to us by some amazingly talented artists. Stories like this need to be told and told through art.

Your Hope for Next Year

We get to connect with each other more. We look back on 2021 and be grateful for the little things in life.

What Tickled Your Funny Bone?

It was a million percent wild camping with the girls. We packed like we were heading away to a deserted island for a year. We had everything you could imagine. There was most definitely unnecessary packing involved and trips to the car to unload. Let’s say craic and notions!

Jade's memoir Nanny, Ma & Me is out now.