Larne manager Gary Haveron has made a bold claim about midfielder Sean Graham, stating the player is far too good for the Irish League. The comments followed Graham's goal in Larne's 2-1 Premiership victory over Glentoran on Friday night.
Larne are the reigning champions, having finished the 2025 season top of the Northern Ireland Premiership with 73 points from 33 games. They were four points clear of Glentoran and begin their title defence with a busy September schedule.
What did Gary Haveron say about Sean Graham?
Haveron was effusive in his praise for the 25-year-old. "I love him. Sean Graham's an unbelievable player," the manager said. "He should not be playing in this league. He's far, far too good." Graham joined Larne from Ballymena United in 2023 and has since won two Premiership titles with the club. He made 35 league appearances last season and his performances earned him a spot in the NIFWA Team of the Season.
Haveron expressed surprise that a club higher up football's hierarchy has not yet moved for Graham. The midfielder, a former Northern Ireland U21 international, previously had a spell in England with Blackpool after joining from Crusaders in 2017. He was loaned to Larne during his time with the Seasiders before making the move permanent.
How is Ronan Doherty performing for Larne?
Another key figure in the win over Glentoran was Ronan Doherty, who was named Player of the Match. The 30-year-old joined from Coleraine in January and started in all eight of Larne's European matches this summer across the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League. Their European run ended with a play-off loss to Lincoln Red Imps.
"He's been brilliant," Haveron said of Doherty. "Obviously, we know all his qualities." The manager noted Doherty controlled the game, especially in the first 60 minutes. He is expected to be a central figure as Larne look to defend their Gibson Cup crown. You can view the full squad for the season ahead.
What is Larne's fixture schedule?
Friday's match was Larne's second of the new Premiership season. They host Bangor at Inver Park on Tuesday night. September presents a packed schedule with six league fixtures, including games against Portadown, Cliftonville, Carrick Rangers, and Dungannon Swifts. The full fixtures list shows their next away game is against Linfield on December 5th. Linfield currently sit fourth in the standings.
Larne's title-winning campaign last year was built on a strong attack that scored 60 goals and a solid defence that conceded only 22. That gave them a goal difference of +38. Maintaining that form will be the challenge as they juggle domestic commitments. The team's recent form of WDWLW shows they have started consistently.
Larne face Bangor at Inver Park on Tuesday, September 8th.
