The Irish Experiment

by Zach Tuohy, Catherine Murphy

Like most Irishmen, Zach Tuohy's first love was Gaelic football. But when an Australian football club came knocking with a professional contract, the then-teenager 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. 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.

With characteristic devil-may care attitude and determination, Zach writes candidly about 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 alike.

261 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 4, 2024

Reviews

[Jill]

Not really a 4 ⭐ read but 3 seemed a bit stingy. Interesting behind the scenes look at an Irish AFL player's football and personal life helped by the fact that he is quite a character with a good sense of humour

[Karen Lyons]

I loved it! It is the best sporting autobiography I have read.
It was comprehensive and emotional, plenty of feelings shone through especially with the love for his family.
I could hear Zach talking. He will surely be missed at the “Cats”.

[Roslyn Ziebell]

The most entertaining book from a former AFL player I’ve read.

[Shirley]

I’ve had this book on my to be read list since it came out and I generally love a good AFL autobiography or biography and I definitely loved this book. It was great to read about how Zac came from Ireland to Australia and how all of that took place. I loved the honesty he wrote with in regards to the hard times and how he was managing. Definitely a good read.

[Lucy Nagle]

some bits of this were a bit tough to read as a Carlton supporter!!

[Sandy Sexton]

With humour and honesty Zach Tuohy traces his life in sport.

[Peter S]

One of the better sporting identity memoirs of their sporting career written with a touch of humour.

[Mark Green]

Entertaining read. Comes across as a good bloke.

[Ellen]

A very interesting story, quite funny at times.

[Eoin Conway]

Great insights into life and transition from GAA to AFL and Ireland to Australia. Zach seems down to earth and his story serves as inspiration to many!