Larne fans as far away as Canada and Australia toast Co Antrim Shield winners

Tiernan Lynch’s team lifted the Co Antrim Shield after beating Glentoran at Seaview last night (Wednesday).

With the game ending scoreless, anxious supporters, who last savoured glory with 1987’s Ulster Cup win, had to endure a nailbiting penalty shoot-out before the Inver outfit emerged victorious.

Covid-19 restrictions meant the match took place in an empty stadium but the Larne faithful - both at home and away - made sure the football world knew they were delighted.

One fan thanked the team for an early festive treat with a social media post: “Well done Larne FC for giving the people of Larne a happy Christmas.”

And from further afield came this supporter’s reaction: “Fantastic. Best wishes from Fort Langley BC Canada. From an ex Larne yin.”

That joy was shared elsewhere in Canada: “Best wishes from Calgary.”#

And while the red and white army (RAWA) was absent from the north Belfast stadium, the colours were being worn in many other places including Australia: “Extra proud to be sporting the Larne shirt around Sydney.”

Larne, who went into the game as NIFL Premiership leaders, have been transformed in recent years under the stewardship of owner Kenny Bruce, founder of Purplebricks estate agency business.

The club has been working with Mid and East Antrim Council on a number of projects including the ‘MEA United’ campaign, aimed at securing Northern Ireland Executive funding for stadia in Ballymena, Carrickfergus and Larne.

And the local authority added its congratulations on the triumph: “Brilliant! Well done, Larne Football Club.”

The police had their say too: “Congratulations from all at Larne PSNI. Well done on the win tonight Larne Football Club.”

East Antrim MP Sammy Wilson, who welcomed traders decorating their shop windows with Larne FC tributes, shared the club’s success via Twitter with a retweet of: “Jeff Hughes scores and we have won the County Antrim Shield!”

Click here to read: Larne end trophy drought with Co Antrim Shield penalty shootout win.”

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