Paddy Burke has been named recognised as top hurler in Ulster after being named Hurler of the Year at the Irish News Ulster All-Stars
The Cushendall man received the award at a glittering ceremony at the ICC Belfast on Friday night.
Last year’s hurler of the year, Neil McManus, said that Burke deserved the gong instead of him, stating that he could “walk into any defence in the country”.
In a testing League and Championship campaign, the Ruairi Og man was a leading light for Antrim.
Ballinascreen v Russell Rovers: Match details, throw-in times and how to watch as ‘Screen will try and book their place in the club hurling showpiece in January
Carey Faughs v Watergrasshill: Match details, throw-in time and how to watch as the North Antrim club take on Cork and Munster intermediate champions
Antrim only managed two wins, both crucial to their season, beating Wexford and Carlow at home to maintain their Liam McCarthy status for next season.
Burke even popped up with a score against Carlow in what was essentially a relegation play-off from the All-Ireland SHC.
In a testing League and Championship campaign, this man was a leading light for Antrim. A consummate man-marker with the unerring ability to break forward and grab important scores, inspiring those around him by his actions on the field.
Next year, Burke and Antrim will be looking to aim higher as Davy Fitzgerald takes over from Darren Gleeson at the helm.
He is a role model for the next generation of hurlers in the county and has some of the best years of his career still ahead of him.
