Larne on the Verge of Irish Premiership Title After Draw with Linfield

Larne all but secured the Irish Premiership title with Monday night’s draw away to Linfield, putting them in prime position to host European football at Inver Park next season. Tiernan Lynch’s side have dominated the league, leading Linfield by three points with a superior goal difference.

Last season, Larne had to play their European fixtures at Solitude due to their home ground not meeting Fifa requirements. However, this year, Inver Park has been granted the necessary Uefa licence to host games in European competitions.

The top three teams in the Irish Premiership – Larne, Linfield, and Cliftonville – have already secured their spots in Europe for the 2024/25 season. The final European place will be decided through a play-off between Crusaders, Glentoran, Coleraine, Carrick Rangers, and Dungannon Swifts.

Carrick currently lead Dungannon by three points but with an inferior goal difference. The race for the final European spot will come down to the wire as Carrick face Glenavon and Dungannon host Ballymena United on the final day of the season.

In the Championship, Dundela will not be granted a Premiership licence, leaving Annagh United, Bangor, and Institute to battle it out for a chance to take on Ballymena United for a spot in the top flight.

On the women’s side, Glentoran Women FC have been awarded the Uefa Women’s Champions League licence, allowing them to compete in the prestigious competition this season. Larne’s success and the upcoming European competitions promise an exciting future for Irish football.