Mick is Club Volunteer of the Year!
Local rugby stalwart Michael Silke has been honoured as the Ulster Bank Club Volunteer of the Year at the Ulster Bank League Awards at the Aviva Stadium last evening.
A hugely worthy recipient, Silke from Buccaneers was singled out for his tireless work, dedication and commitment off the field and his willingness to help with any task for the Athlone club on training nights and his social committee work.
Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt presented the awards in all 16 categories.
Lansdowne topped off an amazing season, following their recent Division 1A and Bateman Cup final victories, by taking home four awards. Their hugely-influential head coach Mike Ruddock was crowned the Division 1A Coach of the Year having led his team to the title, winning 18 of 20 games.
Speaking at the Ulster Bank League Awards, Carol McMahon, Head of Business Marketing & Sponsorship with Ulster Bank, said: "Ulster Bank is extremely proud to support grassroots rugby in Ireland. We understand the commitment and dedication that players, coaches and volunteers give to make their club the best it can be.
"All the nominees tonight are testament to the outstanding talent which has been displayed on countless occasions in clubs across the country throughout the season. On behalf of Ulster Bank, I would like to congratulate all the nominees, all the winners and the club members for a very successful season."
IRFU President Philip Orr commented: "The Ulster Bank League allows clubs to showcase their talent, their communities and the values rugby represents. These awards are a welcome recognition of the dedication and commitment of not just the players but the volunteers in our clubs that represent the bedrock of our game.
"On behalf of the IRFU, I would like to congratulate the individual winners and their clubs and express our gratitude to Ulster Bank for their continuing support of our national club competition."
2018 ULSTER BANK LEAGUE AWARDS - LIST OF WINNERS:
1. Ulster Bank Player of the Year - Division 1A: Neil Cronin (Garryowen)
2. Ulster Bank Top Try Scorer - Division 1A: Liam Coombes (Garryowen)
3. Ulster Bank Top Points Scorer - Division 1A: Scott Deasy (Lansdowne)
4. Ulster Bank Rising Star of the Year - Division 1A: Alex McHenry (Cork Constitution)
5. Ulster Bank Coach of the Year - Division 1A: Mike Ruddock (Lansdowne)
6. Ulster Bank Player of the Year - Division 1B: Paul Kiernan (UCC)
7. Ulster Bank Player of the Year - Division 2A: Rory Campbell (Malone)
8. Ulster Bank Player of the Year - Division 2B: Val McDermott (Old Crescent)
9. Ulster Bank Player of the Year - Division 2C: Shane Boyle (Sligo)
10. Ulster Bank Club Public Relations Officer) of the Year: Frank Larkin (Old Crescent)
11. Ulster Bank Club Volunteer of the Year: Michael Silke (Buccaneers)
12. Ulster Bank League Try of the Year: Daniel McEvoy (Lansdowne)
13. Ulster Bank Provincial Players of the Year - voted by the public through Ulster Bank Rugby social media:
- Connacht Player of the Year: Brian Murphy (Galwegians)
- Leinster Player of the Year: Harry Brennan (Lansdowne)
- Munster Player of the Year: Neil Cronin (Garryowen)
- Ulster Player of the Year: Andrew Morrison (Banbridge)