TUOHY GIVING UP ON DREAM

AUSSIE RULES star Zach Tuohy has admitted for the first time he’s unlikely to return to play for Laois.

The 28-year-old Geelong defender (left) has made 158 AFL appearances since being snapped up in 2008 after a thrilling underage career.

He’s always talked of returning to play for the senior team one day but on the eve of their Leinster final clash with Dublin, he’s finally conceded it won’t happen.

Tuohy said: “The longer I have stayed, the more I have come to terms with the prospect that I will potentially end up here for good. I always intended to come back to Ireland but the possibilities here and endless, especially in a sporting world.

“I have to be realistic because the body takes a fair beating in this sport. I’m 28 and I’d be disappointed not to get to 32 in the AFL. I haven’t missed a game in five years. I’m proud of what I have done. I’d like to get past Tadgh who played 197 times.”