Glentoran Manager Declan Devine has called on his players to seize the opportunity to bring silverware back to the BetMcLean Oval when they face Larne in the ToalsBet.Com County Antrim Shield Final at Seaview on Tuesday 21st January 2025 (kick-off: 7.45pm).
The final provides the Glens with a chance to claim their first piece of silverware since their Irish Cup triumph in the 2019/20 season, while also ending a 14-year wait for County Antrim Shield success, last achieved with a 3-1 victory over Linfield in the 2010/11 campaign.
Tuesday night offers Glentoran the chance to rewrite the narrative against Larne, who have already secured two league wins over Declan Devine’s side this season and defeated the Glens in two of their four consecutive County Antrim Shield Final victories.
Saturday’s Sports Direct Premiership clash with Larne, abandoned just after half-time due to a floodlight failure at the BetMcLean Oval, was shaping up to be a tightly contested affair and has only heightened the anticipation for Tuesday night’s eagerly awaited final.
For Devine, this match is about more than just lifting a trophy – it’s a chance for Glentoran to turn the tide against Larne and secure his first piece of silverware since becoming Glens’ manager in March 2024.
Declan Devine said: “This final is a massive opportunity to bring a trophy back to the BetMcLean Oval – something this club and its incredible supporters have been waiting for far too long.
“We know the quality Larne possess – they’ve been the benchmark in this competition and the league in recent years. But this is our chance to demonstrate the progress we’ve made as a squad in such a short period and to lay down a marker for the future.
“We’ve worked tirelessly to reach this point, and now it’s about leaving everything on the pitch to deliver for our fans. They’ve stood by us through thick and thin and we’re determined to repay their loyalty with a performance that reflects the character, belief and quality we’ve built together as a squad.”
Glentoran’s journey to the final began with a dramatic penalty shootout victory over H&W Welders, followed by commanding back-to-back 2-0 wins against Carrick Rangers in the Quarter-Final and Ballymena United in the Semi-Final, setting up this showpiece clash against the Inver Reds.
Devine added: “We’ve worked incredibly hard to get to this point and the players deserve credit for their efforts so far, but now it’s about taking that final step and delivering when it matters most.”
“Larne are an outstanding team with quality across the pitch. They’ve beaten us twice this season, but I firmly believe we’re a different Glentoran side now. We’ve grown stronger mentally, we’re playing with real belief, and we’re ready to outfight and outplay them on Tuesday night.
“The players know exactly what’s at stake and I have total confidence in their ability to rise to the occasion. We’re determined to leave everything on the pitch and bring that trophy back to the BetMcLean Oval.”
Devine concluded by emphasising that while winning the County Antrim Shield would be a significant achievement, it is just one step in a larger journey toward sustained success for the East Belfast side.
Declan said: “Winning this trophy would be a fantastic moment and a testament to the hard work of everyone at the club. But more importantly, it’s about laying the groundwork for a future where Glentoran consistently challenges for silverware.
“This Cup Final is not the culmination of our efforts; it’s the beginning of something much bigger. Regardless of the outcome on Tuesday evening, we are determined to build something truly special here at the club.
“With the backing of Ali Pour, the passion of our incredible supporters, and the commitment of our board, we are reshaping the club’s football operations and assembling a squad capable of bringing sustained success to the BetMcLean Oval for years to come.”
For more information visit www.glentoran.com.
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