Background
Foley was eldest son of Samuel Foley of Clonmel and Dublin (d 1695), younger brother of Thomas Foley, founder of the Old Swinford Hospital. His mother, Elizabeth, was sister of Colonel Solomon Richards of Polsboro, Wexford. He was born at Clonmel 25 November 1655.
Education
He was educated firstly at Kilkenny College and was admitted as a commoner at Trinity College, Dublin on 8 June 1672.
Career
On 14 February 1688-1689 he was installed chancellor of Saint Patrick"s Cathedral, Dublin, and was attainted by James II"s parliament in the same year. On 4 April 1691 he became dean of Achonry and precentor of Killala. He proceeded Doctor of Divinity of Trinity College in the same year.
On 4 October
1694 he was enthroned bishop of Down and Connor in succession to Thomas Hacket, who had been deprived for gross neglect of duty. He died of fever at Lisburn 22 May 1695, and was buried there. The bishop was married, and left issue.