Corofin and Galway player Liam Silke won the inaugural AIB club footballer of the year when he was announced as the winner last weekend at a function in Croke Park.
Three players were nominated for the overall individual award, all from Corofin - Michael Farragher, Ian Burke, and defender Silke.
Silke had a super season for his club, including a man-of-the-match display against Castlebar Mitchels in the Connacht championship. Then he produced a terrific last-minute goal to win the All-Ireland semi-final against Moorefield, and a top class man-marking job on Nemo Rangers danger man Luke Connolly in the final.
"It is a great honour for my family and for my club to collect the award, ahead of some serious competition from Michael and Ian. I was not expecting to win it, but it is a nice accolade to receive. Winning as a team is the most important thing and all the matters really, so I won't dwell on it too long. Nevertheless, it will be something to look back on with satisfaction in the years to come."
Silke, who is completing a post grad in medicine in UCD, will not be available to the Galway footballers for the 2018 championship as he is going to the USA for the summer before returning to UCD next autumn.
Six Corofin players on the overall team of the year, including Kieran Fitzgerald, Dylan Wall and forward Martin Farragher.
Ulster champions Slaughtneil had four representatives on the team, while beaten finalists Nemo had two.
