The 2026 season has been filled with memorable highs and lows for Larne, making it one for the history books.
After Kenny Bruce sold his stake in the club, the summer saw the departure of several key figures, and Nathan Rooney’s unexpected exit following just one Irish Premiership match left many doubting that the Inver Reds could claim the Irish Premiership trophy this season.
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Larne kicked off the season with a strong performance, maintaining an impressive 18-game unbeaten streak and holding the top position for the majority of the campaign.
However, a mid-season slump saw their 11-point lead shrink to just three points, leading to a crucial final game where Larne secured a stunning 8-0 victory over Dungannon Swifts, while Coleraine clinched second place, earning an automatic spot in Europe.
Discussions about Larne’s remarkable journey over the past seven years have been abundant, but this trophy feels particularly significant under the leadership of Larne native Gary Haveron, especially after such a challenging start.
“We persevered through a season that was anything but straightforward,” Haveron remarked.
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“Many were predicting the downfall of Larne Football Club, underestimating the strength of our group, community, and club.
“We were dismissed by so many, but that skepticism perhaps worked in our favor, allowing us to focus on our work without distraction.”
Haveron stepped into the role of permanent manager after serving as interim coach following Rooney’s departure.
Having already made history by leading Larne to become the first Irish League club to win a match in the league phase of the Conference League in 2024, he can now add another Irish Premiership medal to his accolades.
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“I adore this town and its people,” he continued. “I’m incredibly fortunate to have so many family and friends supporting me here today; their backing throughout the season has been outstanding. But it’s time to reset; we’re back to square one.
“The players deserve every bit of this victory. This title was hard-fought, without a doubt, but I certainly don’t want to diminish any previous achievements.”
Post-match, the respect and admiration for Haveron from both players and fans was unmistakable.
Midfielder Leroy Millar expressed his happiness for Haveron following their latest Irish Premiership triumph.
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“He has been absolutely incredible; he’s been here for a long time and is truly a Larne man,” Millar stated.
“I’m more excited for him than for anyone else. Even during his pre-match speech, he was nearly in tears, showing just how much it means to him. We should have a statue built for him!”
‘We are the underdogs’
In July, alongside Eric Perez, Nick Giannotti joined the club’s board of directors following the acquisition of Bruce’s 50% stake in the club.
They have implemented significant changes since taking charge, but Giannotti feels their league victory was a testament to triumphing ‘against the odds’.
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“I am incredibly proud to see our team put in so much effort despite the challenges from teams investing heavily in the league; we remained committed to our own players,” he told BBC Sport NI.
“Winning the league this season is a perfect illustration of our underdog status in Irish League football.
“We faced off against larger teams and seized key moments, and my belief has always been that when those moments arise, we are ready to deliver.”
Despite clinching their third title in four years, Giannotti remains grounded, emphasizing the importance of continuing to build on the club’s stability.
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“Stability is crucial for a solid foundation,” he explained. “Without it, chaos reigns, making it impossible to build effectively. That’s why we assessed player contracts, the overall culture, and various other factors upon our arrival.
“I genuinely believe that maintaining stability can propel us towards a stronger future next season.”