Larne have etched their name in history once more, claiming the Gibson Cup for the third time in four years with a dominant season finale. Needing only a draw against Dungannon Swifts to secure the title, they delivered a resounding 8-0 victory at Inver Park—their biggest top-flight win this century.
Despite sitting atop the table since November, Gary Haveron's side faced numerous challenges to lift the trophy. Here's how the Inver Reds navigated a rollercoaster campaign.
Summer Turmoil
After finishing 22 points behind champions Linfield last season, Larne hoped for a quiet summer. Instead, owner Kenny Bruce sold his majority stake to Redball Global FC, raising early concerns. The departure of Shaun Want to Scotland and captain Cian Bolger's season-ending injury added to the uncertainty.
New owners swiftly replaced manager Nathan Rooney—hired in May 2025—after just one game, reinstalling Haveron as interim boss. Haveron, who had led the team for much of the previous season following Tiernan Lynch's exit, was named permanent manager in October. Despite the upheaval, Larne hit the ground running, quietly building momentum while other title contenders grabbed headlines.
European Momentum
Larne's run to the third qualifying round of the Conference League proved pivotal. They lost only one of six matches against FK Auda (Latvia), Prishtina (Kosovo), and Santa Clara (Portugal). New signing Dan Bent scored in the second qualifying round, and goalkeeper Rohan Ferguson excelled in two penalty shootouts—a form that carried into the domestic season. Though they fell short of a second consecutive group-stage berth, the campaign bolstered confidence and sharpened the squad for the battles ahead.
Overcoming Setbacks
The path to glory was not without stumbles. A commanding 11-point lead in January evaporated to just two points within a month, setting up a thrilling title race. But Larne's resilience, honed in Europe, carried them through. Consistent performances and clutch moments—especially from Ferguson—ensured they held their nerve when it mattered most.
With the Gibson Cup back at Inver Park, Larne have proven that even amid turbulence, champions find a way.