AFL Record holder Zach Tuohy to retire at the end of the season

Zach Tuohy is set to retire from the AFL at the end of the current season, the Laois native has announced.

Tuohy, who won a Leinster minor title with the O'Moore County before departing for Australia in 2009, confirmed the news this morning.

The 34-year-old became the most-capped Irish player in AFL history last year when he surpassed Jim Stynes record of 264 appearances. He is in line to make his 287th appearance this weekend as Geelong face West Coast.

"I informed my team-mates yesterday that this will be my last as an AFL footie player," he said in a video posted online by his club Geelong.

"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.

"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."

Tuohy is one of just three Irish players to have won an AFL Grand Final, which he achieved alongside Mark O'Connor in September 2022.

He initially played for Carlton, making 120 appearances before signing for Geelong in 2016.