Zach Tuohy

Zach Tuohy's Biography

Zach Tuohy - Irish AFL Premiership player for the Geelong Cats

Zach Tuohy played 286 AFL games, with 120 at Carlton and 166 at Geelong. He is the record holder for most AFL games played by an Irish-born player. He announced his retirement in August 2024, after the end of the finals campaign.

Hailing from Portlaoise, a town which is located in the South Midlands in the province of Leinster in Ireland, Zach Tuohy grew up in a country more accustomed to round ball games.

The youngest of four children, Tuohy played Gaelic football and was a member of the Portaloise Club in Ireland’s Gaelic football league where he won a Leinster Minor Football Championship. After completing his schooling and following an under-18 Gaelic football semi final, Tuohy received a phone call from then Carlton recruiter and now TLA Head of Cricket, Gerard Sholly about the opportunity to come to Australia and trial with AFL club Carlton. Tuohy’s university studies were put on the backburner and he was soon on a plane to Melbourne.

Despite not enjoying his initial two week trial, the lure of a two year contract and an opportunity, and some encouragement from his parents were enough to see Tuohy commit to the Blues ahead of the 2010 season.

Tuohy began his career playing in Carlton’s VFL side where his initial roles consisted of being a tagger and rebound defender. After impressive form, Tuohy was elevated to the club’s senior list, making his AFL debut in Round 11 against Port Adelaide.

Consistency saw Tuohy become one of the mainstays of Carlton’s side, fulfilling roles in the half-back line as well half-forward line where he hit the scoreboard using his long-range kick. 2015 was a breakout year for Tuohy finishing third in Carlton’s Best and Fairest count, and being selected by the 2015 AFLCA All Australian side as a small defender. 2016 saw Tuohy pass 100 AFL games, becoming only the fifth Irish player to play AFL to have achieved this. Traded to Geelong at the end of 2016, Tuohy’s consistency has remained.

In 2017 Tuohy relished at his new club and was nominated for the All Australian squad of 40. He also represented Ireland in the International Rules Series against Australia, making it his third appearance for the national side, having previously played in 2011 and 2013.

Across eight seasons with the Cats, Tuohy was a member of the 2022 Premiership team, a match in which he also celebrated his 250th game.

Zach retired at the conclusion of the 2024 AFL season after playing 286 games for the Blues and Cats.

Off the field, Tuohy maintains a strong connection to his native home Portlaoise, where he continues to follow his Gaelic side and has business interests, owning hairdressing salons with his brother-in-law. A passionate Liverpool supporter, Tuohy also enjoys a hit of golf. Media is also an interest for Tuohy, having written columns for the Geelong Advertiser, and co-hosting a podcast called the The Elephant Rope with Cats teammate Lachie Henderson. The Elephant Rope profiles successful people, and how they navigate through life’s tough times.

Tuohy is passionate about and an advocate for mental health awareness.

Zach Tuohy’s memoir ‘The Irish Experiment’ was released in 2024 where Zach candidly recounts his experiences in Australia, sharing the highs, lows, and the downright hilarious moments. He offers insights into the relationship between Gaelic football and AFL, and discusses the future of Irish and Australian footballers.

Contact Helene Greenham directly to enquire about Zach Tuohy for your next event – helene@platinumspeakers.com.au