From being 'written off by so many people' to champions
The 2026 season has had many ups and downs for Larne, but it has proven to be one to remember. Following Kenny Bruce selling his share of the club, many key figures leaving in the summer and Nathan Rooney's shock departure after just one Irish Premiership game, few expected the Inver Reds to lift the Irish Premiership trophy this season. Larne made a commanding start to the season, went on an 18-game unbeaten run and occupied top spot for most of the campaign.
However, a mid-season blip that saw their 11-point gap at the top close to just three points meant it all came down to the final game of the season when Larne thrashed Dungannon Swifts 8-0 , and Coleraine secured second place and an automatic European spot. Plenty has been talked about Larne and their rise in the past seven years but this trophy under Larne native Gary Haveron feels different after the turbulent start. "We dug in, it was a far from straight forward season," Haveron said "People were talking about the demise of Larne Football Club and underestimated what we have as a group, club and community.
"We were written off by so many people, and I don't think too many people gave us much of a look in and that maybe worked in our favour as we were able to get on with our work. " Ruthless Larne score eight to win Irish Premiership title - report and highlights Ryan delighted with title win after 'turbulent' season Haveron became Larne's permanent manager following his second spell as interim coach after Rooney left the club. The former Glentoran and Carrick manager had already made history as Larne boss when they became the first Irish League club to win a game in the league phase of the Conference League in 2024, but now has another Irish Premiership medal to add to his collection.
"I love this town and love the people," he continued. "I am so lucky to have so many family and friends here today and the support I have had all season has been exceptional, but we reset now, it goes back to zero. "The boys get everything they deserve.
This was a hard title to win there is no doubt about that, but am I taking away from anything other [trophy], no chance. " After the match, it was evident the respect and adoration that the players and fans had for Haveron and the job he has done since being at the club. Midfielder Leroy Millar added that he is the happiest for him after their latest Irish Premiership title.