Tiernan Lynch: ‘I want to bring the pride back to Derry City’
2 min read
A little over 12 hours after his winning send-off from Larne, Tiernan Lynch found himself back at the Brandywell again, but this time wearing a different crest.
The end of his seven-year spell as Larne boss came at the same venue where his next chapter begins, one he’s hoping proves successful having penned a three-year deal at Derry City.
The 48-year-old departs Inver Park having led Larne to back-to-back NIFL Premiership titles, and as he was unveiled to the media yesterday, he made no secret of his plans to make this new era one to remember.
“One of the reasons we came here is that challenge, making sure we can knock teams like [Shamrock] Rovers off their perch, Shelbourne off their perch, and bring that little bit of pride back here,” said Lynch.
The use of the word pride was noteworthy. It’s safe to say the club’s pride has been badly bruised after events over the last four weeks.
When Derry arrived at Richmond Park on October 25, they knew that three wins from their final three games of the 2024 season would see the club clinch a remarkable league and cup double.
So as he aims to lead the Candystripes to a first league crown in 28 years next term, what’s his journey to Foyleside been like?
Lynch began his badges at age 19 before moving to America on a football scholarship. After returning home, he cut his teeth at Glentoran serving as assistant manager from 2012 to 2016 and helping the club to two Irish Cup triumphs. Then, he became Larne number one in the summer of 2017.
