Career
Born in Meelick, County, Silke first excelled at hurling in his youth. He made his first impression on the inter-county scene when he made his senior debut during the 1971-1972 National Hurling League. He was an All-Ireland runner-up on three occasions.
At club level he played with Meelick-Eyrecourt, winning junior and intermediate championship medals.
Throughout his career Silke made 27 championship appearances foreign His retirement came following the conclusion of the 1984 championship.
Silke is widely regarded as one of "s greatest-ever hurlers. He has often been voted onto teams made up of the sport"s greats, including at centre-back on the Hurling Team of the Millennium and on the Fitzgibbon Cup Team of the Century.
In retirement from playing, Silke became involved in team management and coaching.
He has served as a selector with the senior team, as well as manager of the junior team and the Ireland hurling-shinty team Player Manager Individual.