'The heartbeat of Buccaneers'

Westmeath Independent Community & Sports Awards in association with Westmeath County Council

Michael Silke: Hall of Fame winner

Michael Silke has given a lifetime of service to rugby and to Buccaneers RFC in particular. He has been actively involved in local rugby in a voluntary capacity since 1973, firstly with Athlone RFC which later evolved into Buccaneers RFC.

His service comes to 50 years in all, having taken a brief sabbatical some years ago and another year out during the Covid-19 pandemic. In his own words, Michael has “never kicked a rugby ball in my life” but his contribution off the pitch is immeasurable.

A native of Carrigaline, close to Cork city, Michael moved to Athlone in 1970 where he and his late wife Teresa raised a family of three sons (Andrew, Rory and Tom) and one daughter (Chandra).

Michael worked in the Athlone branch of Allied Irish Bank for many years, and he was also known for his interest in music and for fulfilling the role of DJ when the chance arose.

The couple lived in Mayfield Grove, Athlone, for about 30 years, before moving to Barrymore in recent years. Teresa passed away in 2021 which left a major void in Michael’s life, but he has continued his involvement with Buccaneers RFC with characteristic commitment.

Earlier this year, Michael received a gold medal from the IRFU as part of the IRFU’s 150th celebrations. It was a well-deserved award recognising his significant contribution to the development of the game in Ireland.

Michael attended a pre-match function at the All-Ireland League finals to receive his “services to rugby” award from IRFU president Declan Madden, along with other recipients from around the country.

Buccaneers RFC extended their heartfelt congratulations to Michael on receiving the award.

“Michael’s dedication, passion, and tireless efforts over many decades have left an incredible mark on the sport we all love. His commitment to Buccaneers RFC has contributed to the success of the club and game across the region,” said Buccaneers.

“Known for his encyclopaedic knowledge, Michael has long been the heartbeat of Buccaneers RFC. His detailed match reports, insightful commentary, and genuine love for the club have helped capture the memories and milestones of generations of Buccs players.

“Few can match his enthusiasm on a frosty Saturday afternoon or his presence at every event, big or small, always championing the club.

“Michael embodies everything that is great about rugby: loyalty, respect, community, and passion. His recognition for his service to promoting the sport is not just a personal milestone but a celebration for all of us who have been lucky enough to volunteer alongside him.

“On behalf of everyone at Buccaneers RFC and the wider rugby family, we salute you, Michael. Thank you for your incredible service. Here’s to you and your remarkable legacy — and we look forward to your match reports and seeing you pitch-side for many years to come!” the club added.

In 2018, Michael was honoured as the Club Volunteer of the Year as part of a rugby awards scheme then sponsored by Ulster Bank. The Buccaneers stalwart was recognised “for his tireless work, dedication and commitment off the field and his willingness to help with any task for the Athlone club”.

Michael was presented with his award on that occasion by then Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt (who is now in charge of Australia).

When nominating Michael for this honour, Michaels’s late friend Danny O’Neill wrote: “His first visit to the club was in the company of Derry Fitzpatrick and he soon started disco nights and indeed was the DJ in the old Keane Park clubhouse that generated considerable funds for the club for close on 20 years. Dick Quirke quickly invited him to serve on the committee, and he fulfilled a number of roles initially as assistant Secretary and rising to treasurer for some years before being elevated to President in 1984.”

Danny described Michael as “someone who has unselfishly and quietly served his club in many roles”.

Alongside Danny, Michael ran a successful 5-a-side soccer summer league at the club for a decade. This duo later provided commentary live on radio on Buccaneers matches in the heady days of the All-Ireland League.

Michael found his true calling in the club when elected to the role of Public Relations Officer where he has kept the activities of Buccaneers in the public eye through the local media and on the club’s website. Michael’s obliging nature is always to the fore in assisting both his club and those working in the media. Indeed, Michael’s knowledgeable and superbly written match reports have been published in this newspaper and other publications for many years.

He acts as question-master for regular fundraising table quizzes both for Buccaneers and other local clubs, with The Bounty Bar, part of the Buccaneers RC facilities, a regular venue for such quizzes. Together with the Buccaneers administrator Geraldine Kenny, Michael produces the club’s impressive yearbook/programme every season. He was honoured as the Buccaneers Club Person of the year for 2013. Michael’s son Tom is a former Athlone Town soccer player and he’s also known for involvement with local sport in general, including with St Francis FC. Michael has nine grandchildren, Dylan, Nathan, Aidan, Emma, Katie, Caoimhe, Cillian, Eoghan and Ava, and many of them are carrying on the family’s involvement in sport.