In a delightful turn of events, Larne triumphantly clinched the Irish Premiership title with a resounding 5-0 victory over Coleraine at Inver Park, a match that saw Micheal Glynn, Andy Ryan, and Paul O’Neill netting goals, with Scott Allan adding to the celebration. Following a 1-1 draw with Linfield, the team led by Tiernan Lynch practically secured the title, with Cian Bolger lifting the Gibson Cup to mark this historic achievement.
In a parallel match, Linfield settled for a 1-1 draw with Cliftonville, serving as a precursor to the Irish Cup final scheduled for the next weekend. Meanwhile, Stephen Baxter concluded his tenure as head of Crusaders with a 4-0 defeat by Glentoran.
Additionally, Carrick Rangers secured a 2-1 victory over Glenavon, thereby securing a European play-off spot for Stuart King’s team. The upcoming play-off semi-finals promise an exciting spectacle, with Crusaders set to clash with Carrick Rangers, and Coleraine preparing to face Glentoran.
Dungannon Swifts made their mark with a commendable 3-0 win against Ballymena United, while relegated Newry City faced a bittersweet conclusion to their season with a 4-1 defeat against Loughgall.
The atmosphere at Inver Park was vibrant and full of energy as Larne seized control of the match early with goals from Micheal Glynn, Andy Ryan, and two from Paul O’Neill, ultimately securing a convincing 5-0 victory, finalized by Scott Allan’s spectacular goal.
Acting as a prelude to the forthcoming Irish Cup final, Linfield and Cliftonville played to a 1-1 draw, with Cliftonville’s Sam Ashford’s equalizer cancelling out Jordan Stewart’s goal for Linfield.
In another riveting encounter, Carrick Rangers emerged triumphant with a 2-1 victory over Glenavon, marking their determined bid for a potential European spot. On the other hand, Glentoran delivered a resounding 4-0 victory against Crusaders, demonstrating their unwavering spirit ahead of the upcoming play-off.
Despite delivering a commendable performance, Dungannon Swifts fell short of attaining a European play-off spot, despite their impressive 3-0 victory over Ballymena United. Meanwhile, relegated Newry City concluded their season with a 4-1 defeat against Loughgall, ending their memorable campaign on a somber note.
The climax of the Irish Premiership season has set the stage for eagerly anticipated upcoming matches, leaving fans on edge as they await the next captivating chapter in the football saga.