Larne defied expectations to win the Irish Premiership trophy despite a tumultuous season. After a strong start and an 18-game unbeaten run, they secured victory with a decisive 8-0 win over Dungannon Swifts in the final match.
Key points
Larne won the Irish Premiership trophy in 2026
The team had an 18-game unbeaten run
Challenges included key departures and a mid-season slump
Larne secured victory with an 8-0 win over Dungannon Swifts
Coleraine finished second and earned a European spot
LarneColeraineIrish Premiership
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.
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."
Haveron became Larne's permanent manager following his second spell as interim coach after Rooney left the club.
Q&A
How did Larne win the Irish Premiership in 2026?
Larne won the Irish Premiership by maintaining a strong performance throughout the season, culminating in an 8-0 victory over Dungannon Swifts in the final game.
What challenges did Larne face during the 2026 season?
Larne faced significant challenges including the sale of Kenny Bruce's share, the departure of key figures, and a mid-season slump that reduced their lead to just three points.
What was Larne's unbeaten run in the 2026 season?
Larne had an impressive 18-game unbeaten run during the 2026 season, which helped them secure the top position for most of the campaign.
Who finished second in the Irish Premiership 2026?
Coleraine finished second in the Irish Premiership 2026, securing an automatic European spot.
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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.
"He has been absolutely unbelievable; he has been here a very long time and is a Larne man through and through," Millar said.
"I am buzzing more for him than anyone else, even during his pre-match talk he was nearly in tears as it means so much to him.
"Get the statue built for him!"
'We are an underdog'
Alongside Eric Perez, Nick Ginnotti joined the club's board of directors in July following the purchase of Bruce's 50% stake in the club.
They have made major changes since their arrival, but Giannotti believes his side won the league 'against the odds'.
"I am so proud to see them through and out the effort in against the odds and teams who were putting money in and we stuck to our guns and said that these were our guys," he told BBC Sport NI.
"I think winning the league this year is the perfect example [that] we are an underdog when it comes to Irish League football.
"We played big teams and had big moments, we have said time and time again when they have big moments, they come through."
Despite the impressive third title in four years, Giannotti is not getting carried away and believes that his side must continue to build on the stability of the club.
"Stability is a key component to a foundation," he continued.
"If you don't have stability and you have chaos, you can't build on the foundation. That is why when we came in, we evaluated the player's contracts and looked at those things the culture, contracts and all of that
"The stability is what I feel like can really drive us to a stronger future next year."