'I think I might cry': Gary Haveron opens up on potential Irish League title emotions - but insists 'nothing's done'

Haveron has played a key role during a golden period of success at Inver Park, forming part of Tiernan Lynch’s backroom staff as Larne created club history by winning consecutive Gibson Cup crowns in 2023 and 2024.

The former Glentoran chief was interim manager for their most famous win – a Conference League triumph over Belgian outfit Gent in December 2024 – and was thrust into the same position earlier this season following Nathan Rooney’s exit after just one league match.

Haveron was promoted to the top job in October and has now led his hometown club to the cusp of another title triumph.

Larne enter this weekend’s showdown with Dungannon Swifts knowing one point will be enough to seal champion status, and while Haveron isn’t taking anything for granted, he anticipates it’ll be an emotional occasion if the result goes their way.

"I think I might cry,” he said. “There could quite possibly be a few tears.

"But, listen, nothing's done, nobody's getting carried away. We just keep our feet on the ground, get back to work.

"We have put so much effort into this and we've had a full week to prepare for Dungannon – we'll go and give our very best.

"We'll roll our sleeves up and we'll go again like we've done all season. That's us, we work incredibly hard and we'll go again."

Haveron was born in Larne and originally joined the club as Academy Director in June 2019 before moving into Lynch’s senior staff.

He has been involved throughout a magical journey under Kenny Bruce, who sold his ownership stake to Redball Global last summer.

Larne are the only team other than Linfield to celebrate Premiership glory across the past eight years and Haveron is determined to keep adding to the club’s honour roll.

"It really has been (a successful period),” he added. "Obviously the back-to-back league titles and then finishing second, but the Conference League on top of it as well was brilliant.

"To be in the mix for the title again this year, it shows you that it's been a great period for Larne Football Club.

"We’ve still got a hell of a lot to do to try and catch some of the other clubs with their history and everything else, but we keep on adding to it and we keep on trying to make it better.

"I think that's your job as a manager, to make your club’s history a little bit richer during the time that you're there.

"I've had nothing but great times since I've been at Larne. It's been incredible the journey we've been on. I'm very, very proud of that.”