LAOIS native Zach Tuohy has announced he’ll bring the curtain down on his Aussie Rules career at the end of this season.
The 34-year-old will depart Geelong Cats having not only carved out a career Down Under, but established himself as a club legend.
2
2
Having left Ireland in 2009 he went on to become the third Irishman to develop into a genuine star in AFL after the late Jim Stynes and Tadhg Kennelly.
He’s only the second Irishman to rack up over 200 games and last year overtook Stynes’ mark of 264 to go out on his own in that list.
This weekend will see him make his 287th appearance against West Coast Eagles.
He announced his decision in a video put out across The Cats’ social media channels.
In it, he noted: “I informed my team-mates yesterday that this will be my last as an AFL footie player.
“While there’s a lot of footy left to play this year, I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you all for your support.
“I knew when I came to the Cats I was in a for a treat.
“I don’t think I fully appreciated how much of an incredible journey it was going to be.
Most read in GAA Football
“There’s a lot of work left to do this year but I just wanted to thank you for everything.
“Geelong – the club and the city – has been incredible for me and my family.
“I consider myself a Geelong person forever off the back of your support.
“2024, that’ll do me. Thanks for everything.”
120 of his AFL displays were accrued while a member of Carlton before he transferred to Geelong in 2016.
The Portlaoise man is one of only three Irish men to earn a winner’s medal in the sport’s annual Grand Final.
GOALS LIVE! WIN IRELAND V ENGLAND TICKETS
FOOTBALL legends Tony Cascarino, Stuart Pearce, Andy Reid and Neil
O’Riordan will join The Irish Sun’s first live football preview event on Tuesday September 3 ahead of the Republic of Ireland v England match in The Aviva that weekend.
Goals Live 2024, in association with TonyBet and hosted by well-known sports commentator Dave McIntyre, promises to be an evening of entertainment, discussion, analysis and lively debate as the
panel delves into the upcoming big match between football rivals the Republic of Ireland and England.
The event, which is for over 18s only, will take place in The Camden, Dublin 2, from 6.15pm – 9pm.
The ticket includes a complimentary drink for attendees and each ticketholder will be entered into a draw for a chance to win a pair of match tickets to the big game in the Aviva on Saturday September 7.
Tickets are just €5 and available to purchase HERE.
That distinction came alongside another Irishman, Mark O’Connor, in September 2022.
Up until then Kerry All-Ireland winner Kennelly had been the only Irishman to have scooped the ultimate team honour on offer.
Several Irish women, including two-time winner Ailish Considine, have matched that feat since the formation of the AFLW in 2017.
Speculation will now mount over whether the 2007 Leinster minor Championship winner has ambitions to play for his county’s seniors before he hangs up his boots for good.
