How did Larne regain the Irish Premiership?
Larne have written their names in the history books once again after being crowned Irish Premiership champions for the third time in four years. Knowing that a draw against Dungannon Swifts was enough to secure the title, they registered a commanding 8-0 win at Inver Park, a result which is their biggest topflight win this century. Despite occupying the top of the table since November, Gary Haveron's side have had to navigate plenty of twists and turns to clinch the title.
BBC Sport NI looks back on a season to remember for the Inver Reds. Summer stress After last year's Champions, Linfield, finished 22 points clear of the Inver Reds in second, Larne fans would have been hoping their side could regroup and have a summer with no surprises. However, it did not prove to be the case.
It may have raised concern when owner Kenny Bruce sold his majority stake to Redball Global FC after eight crucial years at the club. Those worries were strengthened when Shaun Want returned to Scotland and the club announced that captain Cian Bolger would miss the season through injury. The new owners were quick to make a change of management with Nathan Rooney, who had joined the club in May 2025, departing the club after their opening Irish Premiership game and Haveron becoming interim manager once again.
However, with Haveron having occupied the position of head coach for much of last season and also when Tiernan Lynch left, Larne had a more than capable replacement to take the role on full-time, with the 45-year-old eventually named as permanent manager in October. Despite the early season chaos, Larne hit the ground running and, while other teams near the top of the table dominated the early season headlines, Larne managed to slip under the radar. Impressive European run Larne's run to the third qualifying round of the Conference League gave the side the chance to gel quickly and show resilience which has been clear throughout the season.
The Inver Reds only lost one game out of the six against Latvian Auda, Kosovo's Prishtina and Santa Clara from Portugal. It also gave the new signings a chance to settle into the side with new addition Dan Bent netting during the second qualifying round. They also won two penalty shoot-outs in the process, with goalkeeper Rohan Ferguson coming to the fore, something which would also be seen throughout the domestic campaign.
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