Gowran will be welcoming a special visitor this summer, when the Sydney Rose of Tralee comes ‘home’ to spend time with her auntie Mary before the famed Kerry festival. Laura Foley was born and raised in Sydney, Australia, but her dad, Michael, is from Graignamanagh and a proud Kilkenny man. (They are pictured together below). He set off on an adventure to Australia 30 years ago, fell in love with the place, and stayed. His love of Ireland, and passionate support for the Cats, was passed on to Laura, who he brought to the Sydney St Patrick’s Day Parade every year. She started Irish dancing when she was six, with the Derwent School of Dance, going on to dance in many feisanna and community events. Over time Laura became more curious about her Irish roots. “I entered this year’s Sydney Rose of Tralee with the intention of strengthening my connection to the Irish community and supporting their worthy causes such as the Irish Support Agency. I love Irish traditional music and attending local traditional sessions in Sydney,” she said.placeholder image
Gowran will be welcoming a special visitor this summer, when the Sydney Rose of Tralee comes ‘home’ to spend time with her auntie Mary before the famed Kerry festival. Laura Foley was born and raised in Sydney, Australia, but her dad, Michael, is from Graignamanagh and a proud Kilkenny man. (They are pictured together below). He set off on an adventure to Australia 30 years ago, fell in love with the place, and stayed. His love of Ireland, and passionate support for the Cats, was passed on to Laura, who he brought to the Sydney St Patrick’s Day Parade every year. She started Irish dancing when she was six, with the Derwent School of Dance, going on to dance in many feisanna and community events. Over time Laura became more curious about her Irish roots. “I entered this year’s Sydney Rose of Tralee with the intention of strengthening my connection to the Irish community and supporting their worthy causes such as the Irish Support Agency. I love Irish traditional music and attending local traditional sessions in Sydney,” she said.

Sydney Rose is a proud Cat - with dad from Kilkenny!

Sian Moloughney
By Sian Moloughney

Reporter

Published 14th Jun 2025, 11:55 BST
Updated 16th Jun 2025, 09:32 BST

Laura Foley's dad Michael is from Graignamanagh

Laura works as a Researcher at the University of New South Wales. Her research focuses on young people, including First Nation Australians, to improve their physical activity, develop life skills, build positive futures, also, importantly, gender equality. She will also complete her Masters Degree in Public Health this year. Laura has a Bachelor degree in Occupational Therapy and was practicing as a qualified Paediatric Occupational therapist for several years. Her long-term educational goal is to complete a PhD in sport and equality. “My passion is to support marginalised communities through my research to embrace a healthy lifestyle through sport,” she says. BELOW: Laura on the night she was crowned Sydney Rose

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Laura works as a Researcher at the University of New South Wales. Her research focuses on young people, including First Nation Australians, to improve their physical activity, develop life skills, build positive futures, also, importantly, gender equality. She will also complete her Masters Degree in Public Health this year. Laura has a Bachelor degree in Occupational Therapy and was practicing as a qualified Paediatric Occupational therapist for several years. Her long-term educational goal is to complete a PhD in sport and equality. “My passion is to support marginalised communities through my research to embrace a healthy lifestyle through sport,” she says. BELOW: Laura on the night she was crowned Sydney Rose

Related topics:GraignamanaghGowranRose of TraleeKilkenny
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