Padraic Joyce hopeful New Zealand-bound Liam Silke will be back next year

Galway manager Joyce is hopeful that Silke will be available for next year’s campaign after it emerged that the defender is moving to New Zealand to continue his work as a doctor

NEW ZEALAND-BOUND: Liam Silke played a key role for Galway this season. Pic: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo

Galway manager Pádraic Joyce is hopeful that Liam Silke will be available for next year’s campaign after it emerged that the experienced defender is moving to New Zealand to continue his work as a doctor.

The performances of the 27-year old, who was handed the key man-marking jobs throughout Galway’s march to the All-Ireland final, were vital as the Tribesmen reached the decider for the first time since 2001.