Jana Mccabe

Larne manager Gary Haveron says his side must be resilient when they face Gibraltar’s Lincoln Red Imps in the UEFA Conference League play-off. He cites the heat, a demanding schedule and the failure to postpone Larne’s previous goalless draw with Coleraine as challenges. Larne previously beat Lincoln Red Imps to become the first Irish League club to reach a European group stage, and another successful qualifying campaign could help the Irish Premiership retain a fourth European qualifying place.

Linfield responded to their opening-weekend 3-0 defeat by beating Glentoran 2-1 in the Belfast “Big Two” derby at Windsor Park. Darragh Leahy and Kirk Millar scored for the Blues, while Jordan Stewart’s late goal for Glentoran was followed by his sending-off. Glentoran struggled to create chances and remain without several important players through injury, prompting manager Declan Devine to question the team’s hunger. Elsewhere, Crusaders defeated Ballymena United 2-1, while Cliftonville and Carrick Rangers maintained perfect starts after two matches.

Derry City defeated UCD 2-1 at the UCD Bowl to reach the FAI Cup quarter-finals. Michael Duffy opened the scoring with a free-kick, but UCD equalised through Louis Dignam after a counter-attack. Tyler Smith restored Derry’s lead in the second half with his first goal for the club. UCD hit the woodwork three times but could not force another equaliser, while Derry extended interim manager Mark Connolly’s unbeaten run. James McClean was again absent amid the club’s denial of reports about seeking a settlement to end his time at Derry.

Derry City interim manager Mark Connolly says James McClean remains a club player despite reports that the sides are seeking a settlement. McClean attended training and signed autographs after missing the last five matchday squads, amid visible frustration and social-media criticism following a difficult return from Wrexham. Derry are sixth in the league, 21 points behind Shamrock Rovers, and recently dismissed manager Tiernan Lynch. Connolly said he was not fully aware of discussions over McClean's future and was focused on the FAI Cup match against UCD.

Ballymena United began the Irish Premiership season with a convincing 3-0 win over Linfield at Windsor Park, their first victory there in 22 years. Chris McKee scored twice on his debut after moving from Linfield, while Success Edogun added a third, highlighting the impact of Oran Kearney’s major squad overhaul. The result strengthens Ballymena’s hopes of challenging expectations, though upcoming fixtures against Crusaders, Glentoran, Larne and Coleraine will test their consistency. Linfield manager David Healy called the defeat a major concern and acknowledged worries about the squad’s depth before a crucial derby against Glentoran.

Tiernan Lynch has left Derry City by mutual consent after the club won only one of its last seven games and fell to sixth in the Premier Division. His second season failed to match the promise of a league runners-up finish and European qualification in 2025, with poor domestic form, early European exits, injuries and growing squad tensions contributing to the decision. High-profile signing James McClean has publicly raised concerns about issues at the club. Mark Connolly will take charge on an interim basis, while Derry's remaining opportunity to rescue the campaign is the FAI Cup.

Limavady United midfielder Oisin Duffy says the club aims to compete in every match rather than immediately return to the second tier after winning promotion to the Irish Premiership. The club, promoted under manager Paul Owens for the second time in three years, enters the season with confidence from its Irish Cup victory over Linfield. Limavady faces a difficult opening schedule against Glentoran, Carrick Rangers, defending champions Larne and Linfield, but Duffy says strong pre-season preparations have left the squad ready.

NIFL chief executive Gerard Lawlor says Northern Ireland’s clubs could vote before Christmas on switching the Irish Premiership and Championship to a summer calendar, potentially from 2028-29. Supporters argue the change would help clubs compete against European teams that are already mid-season and generate more revenue, while opponents cite concerns for part-time players and the loss of traditional Boxing Day fixtures. The proposal would involve 12 Premiership and 16 Championship clubs, and a loss of Northern Ireland’s fourth European place could lead to the abolition of the qualifying play-off, making Larne’s Europa League tie with Iberia 1999 financially significant for the league.

Chesterfield have signed 22-year-old striker Fraser Bryden from Crusaders on a three-year contract. Bryden scored 23 goals in 36 Irish Premiership appearances last season after joining Crusaders from Ayr United. Crusaders manager Caddell said the move was expected after Bryden’s breakthrough campaign and explained that the club must develop players and sell them on because it lacks the finances to retain them. Bryden is the second Crusaders player to leave for a club across the water this transfer window, following goalkeeper Musa Dibaga’s move to Dunfermline Athletic.

Rob Baloucoune and Jeremy Loughman have been declared fit to return for Ireland’s Nations Championship match against New Zealand after recovering from injury. Both players have resumed training with Andy Farrell’s squad as Ireland prepare to challenge the All Blacks’ long unbeaten run at Eden Park. Assistant coach Andrew Goodman highlighted improved performances from squad members and stressed the team’s focus on preparation and mindset heading into the fixture.

New Zealand coach Dave Rennie emphasises respect for Ireland ahead of their Nations Championship match at Eden Park, noting Ireland’s strong coaching, skillset, and recent form. Ireland aim to end New Zealand’s long unbeaten run at the venue, while Rennie highlights the need for disciplined preparation and a strategy to limit scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park’s influence. Both teams enter the match undefeated in the competition.

Glentoran aim to overturn a 2-1 first‑leg deficit to RFS after a narrow home loss in their Conference League qualifier, with manager Declan Devine praising his team’s effort and drawing confidence from their strong performance. Debutant Zeno Rossi opened the scoring before two goals from Martins Kigurs turned the match in RFS’s favour. Devine highlighted the squad’s resilience and expects strong support as they travel to Latvia for the second leg on 16 July.

Irish Premiership clubs Larne, Coleraine, Linfield and Glentoran prepare for European qualifiers as each pursues a rare place in the league phase of UEFA competitions. Larne face Tre Fiori in the Champions League qualifiers, Coleraine meet HJK Helsinki with several new signings boosting their squad, Linfield aim to rebound from recent European setbacks against Nomme Kalju, and Glentoran confront in-form FK RFS with limited squad changes. Each side approaches difficult fixtures with cautious optimism as they attempt to build on past achievements and expand Northern Ireland’s presence in European football.

Monaghan manager Gabriel Bannigan expressed frustration after his team failed to exploit a numerical advantage during their All-Ireland quarter-final loss to Louth, who advanced to the semi-finals for the first time since 1957. Despite Louth going down to 14 players early, Monaghan struggled to gain control, missed key scoring opportunities and were further impacted by the absence of injured goalkeeper Rory Beggan. Jamie Mooney made his senior debut in Beggan’s place and was praised for his display, though the loss leaves Ulster without a semi-final representative for the first time in a decade.