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02 Oct 2025
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02 Oct 2025
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Zach Tuohy, draped in a Portlaoise flage, carried aloft after winning the AFL Grand Final in 2023.
A new book that traces the sporting life Zach Tuohy from Portlaoise and Laois GAA to stardom in Australia's biggest sport has hit the shelves in Portlaoise.
Zach’s much-anticipated autobiography has finally landed in Laois bookshops.
During his childhood in Beladd, Portlaoise, Zach's first love was Gaelic football. He starred for Portlaoise and Laois at underage level. He shot to prominence in 2007 scoring two goals in Croke Park against Derry. One was ranked goal of the year that year.
His exploits that day didn't go unnoticed and the Australian Football League (AFL) came knocking with a professional contract. Then seventeen-year-old leapt at the opportunity to travel across the world and come to grips with an oval ball.
Despite a rocky start navigating a Carlton Football Club in disarray and becoming a father at twenty-three, Zach went on to become one of the greatest success stories of the 'Irish Experiment'. A move to the Geelong Cats made him a star rebounding defender and cult favourite player, and in 2022 he reached the pinnacle of his adopted code, winning a Premiership medal. More below picture.
He has never forgotten his Portlaoise roots where his dad Noel and mum Marie live. His hometown club is also close to his heart something he showed the world by celebrating his Grand Final success in 2023 with the Portlaoise GAA flag draped around his shoulders in the world famous MCG.
In 2023, Zach set a new record for the number of AFL games played by an Irish player, passing the effort of the great Jim Stynes. He hung up his 'Rules' boots in 2024 but still harbours an ambition to give Gaelic football one more shot at home in Laois.
Zach writes candidly about his time as a minor Gaelic football player with Laois, and his experiences in Australia, recounting the good, the bad and the downright hilarious. He has plenty to say about the relationships between the indigenous codes of GAA and the AFL, and what needs to change secure the future of Irish and Australian footballers.
The Irish Experiment co-written with beloved ABC sport journalist Catherine Murphy.
It's for sale in All Books Portlaoise and all good bookshops.
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