Monica’s introduction to Irish Dancing began as an observer when she was 2 years old and her sister started learning with the Foley School. She became a dancer in her own right before she was 3, after spending some time jumping around on the end of the line. In her competitive career, Monica also learnt from Trish Williams, Geraldine O’Shea and Catherine Cosgriff.

Although successful as a young dancer, it wasn’t until she was 15 that Monica won her first Victorian Championship. She was 19 when she won her first Australian Championship, after coming second seven times. In 1972 Monica travelled to Ireland for lessons and danced in the World Championships in Dublin.  

It was a great thrill for Monica to see her daughter Catherine dance in five World Championships between 2003 and 2007. One of her highlights during this period was to judge on a panel at a World Championship with one of her Irish teachers from the 70s, Joan Long.

Monica is a life member of AIDA and has been the grading registrar for the Victorian Branch since 1989. She is currently the chair of the AIDA Inc Ethics Committee. She is also a Grade Examiner.

Apart from dancing, Monica is a primary school teacher; she is married to Terry and has 4 children: Anthony, Christopher, Catherine and David.  She also has 5 grandchildren: Isabelle, Grace, Alice, Tom and Emily. Monica is honoured to be adjudicating the 2026McAleer Graded and Premiership competitions and congratulates Fiona Holmes and her team at the McAleer Championship on the organisation of this prestigious event. She wishes all dancers and teachers the very best of luck for a successful Championship.