Zach Tuohy confirms return to GAA following AFL retirement

The Laois native will return to Ireland next year after spending 14 years down under.

Zach Tuohy - one of Ireland's most successful exports to the AFL - has confirmed that he will play senior championship football for Laois once again when he returns to Ireland next year.

In August, the 34-year-old announced that he would be retiring from Aussie rules at the end of the season, ending an eight year spell at Geelong Cats.

Tuohy moved down under in 2009 after winning a minor title with his home county in 2007, and initially played for Carlton for four seasons before signing for the Cats in 2016.

The 34-year-old became the most-capped Irish player in AFL history last year when he surpassed Jim Stynes record of 264 appearances.

Many Laois fans were hoping that his retirement would coincide with a return to his homeland to don the Laois jersey once again, and it seems as though that is very much the Portlaoise man's plan aswell.

Speaking to The Irish News, Tuohy said: "I’ve always wanted to play a senior championship game for Laois.

"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," he added.

Laois won the Division Four National League title last season but lost the Tailteann Cup final to Down in July.

Tuohy is one of three Irish players to win an AFL premiership, along with teammate Mark O’Connor and Tadhg Kennelly, who won his with the Sydney Swans in 2005. 

Geelong Cats General Manager of Football Andrew Mackie celebrated Tuohy’s career after his retirement was announced, and said: "Zach has been a skilful, durable and flexible player across his eight seasons in the hoops.

"He will depart as the Irish games record holder, which is a remarkable achievement for someone who made the decision 15 years ago to leave home to travel across the world to play our game," he added.

"He is a loved and respected teammate and has contributed greatly to the environment of our Club.

"We thank Zach, his wife Rebecca and children Flynn and Rafferty for their contribution to our Club."

Laois are managed by former Armagh All-Ireland winner Justin McNulty, who will undoubtedly be delighted to hear that such an accomplished athlete could be joining his ranks.

For fans of Tuohy, and those who just want to learn more about a man who took the risk to switch sports and countries at a young age and became a resounding success, his memoir The Irish Experiment comes out next month.