As we approach the festive season, I find myself reflecting on what has been a truly historic year for our beloved club. Our European adventure brought experiences that will forever be etched in the memories of everyone associated with Larne Football Club. The sight of Inver Park and the National Stadium hosting European football, our supporters traveling across the continent, and the pride we all felt as our team competed on the international stage were moments that demonstrated just how far we’ve come on our remarkable journey.
While our European campaign brought unforgettable nights and showed that we can compete at that level, what impressed me most was how everyone at the club – players, staff, and supporters alike – handled themselves with such professionalism and pride. We represented not just Larne FC, but our entire community, league, and country on the European stage, and we did so with distinction.
However, what truly defines a great club is the ability to refocus and push forward to new challenges. I’ve been immensely proud of how we’ve parked those European memories and redirected our energy toward our domestic campaign. The determination I see every day from our players and coaching staff to chase down the leading pack in the league is inspiring. Make no mistake – our ambitions for domestic silverware, both in the league and cup competitions, remain as strong as ever.
To our players – your commitment to maintaining the highest standards, even after the emotional highs of Europe, has been exemplary. The way you’ve attacked each game with renewed hunger shows the true character we have in our dressing room.
To our coaching and management team – your ability to keep the squad focused and motivated, managing the transition from European nights back to domestic duties, speaks volumes about your professionalism and expertise.
To our magnificent supporters – your unwavering backing, whether it’s in European competition or domestic fixtures, creates an atmosphere that can make Inver Park such a fortress. Your voices and passion drive our team forward in every match.
To our volunteers – you are the backbone of this club. The additional demands of European football showed just how crucial you are to our operations, and your dedication never wavered. Whether it’s maintaining our grounds, running our youth programs, or helping on match days, you exemplify the community spirit that makes our club special.
To the families of everyone involved with the club – thank you for your understanding during what has been an incredibly busy year. Your support allows everyone at the club to pursue these ambitious goals, and for that, we are forever grateful.
As we enter 2025, our focus is clear. While we’ll always cherish our European memories, our immediate goals lie in domestic success. The league title race is far from over, and with your continued support, we believe we can close the gap on those above us. The cup competitions also present us with fantastic opportunities to add to our trophy cabinet, and we’ll attack each competition with the determination and pride that defines this club.
This Christmas, I hope you all can take time to rest, reflect, and enjoy precious moments with your loved ones. You have all played your part in making this year special, and in building a club that continues to grow and achieve new heights.
On behalf of the Ownership Group, Board of Directors and myself, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Here’s to creating more memorable moments together in 2025, starting with a strong second half of the season.
With warmest regards,
Gareth
