Football

Zach Tuohy: I want to play Championship football for Laois

Portlaoise man has called time on AFL career after 14 years Down Under

Zach Tuohy
GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - MAY 25: Zach Tuohy of the Cats runs with the ball during the 2024 round 11 AFL match between Geelong Cats and Greater Western Sydney Giants at GMHBA Stadium, on May 25, 2024, in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Martin Keep/AFL Photos/Getty Images) (Martin Keep/AFL Photos/Getty Images)
By AHMER KHOKHAR

Portloaise legend Zach Tuohy has declared he is on a mission to return to the GAA and play for his native county next year.

Tuohy (34) who recently hung up his AFL boots after playing 288 senior appearances for Carlton and Geelong retires as one of only four Irish players to win an AFL premiership and as the record holder for the greatest number of matches played by an Irishman.

A Leinster minor winner in 2007, Tuohy, moved 10,000 miles across the other side of the world in 2010 believing one-day he would return to the GAA. That ambition could be realised in 2025.

Laois won the Division Four National League title last season but lost the Tailteann Cup final to Down after former Armagh All-Ireland winner Justin McNulty returned for a second stint as manage.

“I’ve always wanted to play a senior championship game for Laois,” Tuohy explained.

“I was back home in 2022 and witnessed the intensity of their training—let me tell you, if that’s the level required for inter-county football, I might be in trouble!”

“I’m eager to give it a go in 2025 for sure.”

Zach Tuohy takes the field for his 256th game in the AFL, a record for an Irish player in the league, surpassing the mark set by the late Jim Stynes Picture: Geelong Cats Twitter
Zach Tuohy takes the field for his 256th game in the AFL, a record for an Irish player in the league, surpassing the mark set by the late Jim Stynes Picture: Geelong Cats Twitter

Nicknamed Reg by former Carlton teammate Sam Docherty for his resemblance to Harry Potter character Reginald Cattermole, Tuohy went on to play 120 matches for the Navy Blues from 2011-2016 before joining Geelong.

The man with the handlebar moustache played 168 matches the Cats from 2017-2024 when he memorably joined Kerry defender Mark O’Connor to win the Premiership in his 250th AFL game in 2022.

Tuohy who became a cult figure at Geelong will never forget the 24th of September 2022 for as long as he lives.

“It was an overwhelming motivation in the back half of my career to win one (AFL premiership) and before we won one it had almost become an unhealthy obsession,” Tuohy said.

Laois Manger Justin McNulty during Saturday’s Tailteann Cup Final at Croke Park in Dublin. PICTURE COLM LENAGHAN
Laois are managed by former Armagh All-Ireland winner Justin McNulty PICTURE COLM LENAGHAN

“When I think about that day, a lot of memories spring to mind. All the players are on the interchange, but the realisation hit me when I saw everyone on the interchange hugging and embracing.

“I can still hear the final siren in my head.”

And Tuohy added: “I remember thinking about the 2020 grand final and the 2021 prelim (Melbourne 125-42 Geelong), which is easily the worst loss of my career.”

The father of two also paid tribute to Geelong coach Chris Scott for backing him amidst calls for Geelong’s then ageing list to be shorn of several key players, including Tuohy.

“(Contending every year) doesn’t guarantee anything, it actually ironically increases the likelihood of devastation at the end of every year because they are so hard to win,” Tuohy said.

“I am grateful that I play for a club and have coaches led by Scotty who would continually put their aggots on the line.

“He refused to give up on his senior players after what we dished up in the 2021 prelim and I have never taken that for granted.”

Tuohy, perhaps the greatest Irish player in AFL history, would proudly accept a statue of him in the O’Moore County.

“I think a statue of me astride my steed would look quite good,” Tuohy quipped.