Laura Duryea

Laura Duryea (born 14 December 1983), previously known as Laura Corrigan and also referred to as Laura Corrigan Duryea, is a women's Australian rules footballer best known for her professional career with in the AFLW and for representing Ireland multiple times in the Australian Football International Cup.

She originally played senior ladies' Gaelic football for Cavan and Victoria however decided to switch preferring the increased physicality of Australian Football, and wore the number at Melbourne of the late Irish Hall of Famer Jim Stynes.

Early years, family and education Duryea is originally from Ireland. She was raised in the Drumlane, Belturbet and Milltown area of County Cavan. She is the daughter of Ian Corrigan, an Irish country singer. Her father and brothers played Gaelic football for Drumlane. She was educated at Loreto College, Cavan and RMIT.

In 2008, Duryea arrived in St Kilda, Victoria while travelling. She ended up staying in the Melbourne area and eventually settled in Rosebud, Mornington Peninsula.

Gaelic football

Clubs While living in County Cavan, Duryea played for Drumlane and Erne Gaels. After moving to Melbourne she played for Sinn Féin.

Inter-county Duryea has also played senior ladies' Gaelic football for Cavan and Victoria.

Australian rules football VWFL In 2008 while playing ladies' Gaelic football at Gaelic Park in Keysborough, an opponent suggested Duryea should try women's Australian rules football and invited her to a training session with the VWFL team, Melbourne University. After a season with Melbourne University, Duryea switched to Diamond Creek. She subsequently played for Diamond Creek in seven VWFL Premier Division grand finals, helping them win the 2012 VFWL Premiership Cup.

Melbourne In 2016 Duryea was recruited to play for in the AFLW. In the opening game of the 2018 season she played for Melbourne against Cora Staunton, making her debut for . Duryea and Staunton were the first and second Irish players to feature in the AFLW.

Ireland Duryea has played for Ireland in the Australian Football International Cup, helping Ireland win the cup in both 2011 and 2017.

Teacher Duryea is a primary school teacher. She taught PE in Dublin before emigrating to Australia. She has worked as teacher at Montmorency South Primary School and Dromana Primary School.

Honours Diamond Creek VFWL Premiership Cup Winners: 2012: 1 Runner up: ??? : 6 Ireland Australian Football International Cup Winners: 2011, 2017: 2 Runner up: 2014: 1 Women's World Team selection: 2011, 2014, 2017