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Steven Crawford

Tiernan Lynch sets out the challenges that lie ahead for his title winners

Tiernan Lynch knows Larne will have an even bigger target on their back after picking up their first Premiership title.

The Invermen picked up the Gibson Cup on Friday night after a momentous season for the club.

Lynch is determined that it won't be a one-off and he knows the pressure will be ramped up for Larne next season, but it's something he says he is more than comfortable with.

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"Kenny Bruce put a target on my back after about a week when he stood on TV and said 'he's an open cheque book and we want to hear Champions League music here'," he joked

"But joking aside that's why we're here, we want to be challenging for trophies.

"I'm not going to be stupid enough to say we're going to do X, Y or Z, but I am going to say that please God this club is now going to stay at this top table.

"We want to challenge. Whether we're good enough to win it each year that's something to see as there are so many good teams and big clubs.

"I've tried to create a situation that when you pull that shirt over your head it doesn't matter who you are playing it has to mean something.

"We have to build a culture that we want to try and do this again and again."

Friday night's trophy presentation was a very special occasion for everyone associated with the club, none more so than Lynch who admitted he's had to pinch himself a few times over the last few years to believe what was happening.

"When myself and Seamus first walked in the doors the ground was actually closed and there was a six foot drop from one end of the pitch to the other," he said.

"As it's been developing and getting better there have been a lot of special moments but Friday night was the pinnacle of all of that.

"It absolutely felt as good as I hoped it would and more.

"This is an unbelievable club, it's very family-orientated and I think that is shining through right now.

"When I come into the town now and stop at the shop or petrol station it takes me 20 minutes to get out of it.

"It just sums up how passionate the people of Larne are about their town and their football club.

"I couldn't be more proud to be part of this club."

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