Irish League Football

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Having won the first leg of their relegation/promotion play-off against Annagh United 5-2, Carrick Rangers ensured their Premiership survival with a 3-1 home win in the second leg on Friday night for an 8-3 aggregate victory.

BBC Sport NI spoke to some of the key protagonists after the game:

Carrick Rangers manager Stephen Baxter on securing safety:

"I thought the game was pretty nervy and then we got the lead and were able to hold onto it for a reasonable time and then they got the equaliser so I said to the team at half-time that we need to see out the first 10 to 15 minutes of the second half and then Danny gets the goal and when that goes in really its plain sailing."

"Over the two legs, we were the better team. We had a little bit more than they did, we were able to stretch them in the second half and put them under constant pressure.

"We did well tonight, and from my point of view, there's no celebration. It's a situation that when you find yourself in this play-off, you haven't been good enough all season, and you have to find a way to stay in the league.

"You're playing in a dogfight to hold your place, and we need to improvise, and we will. There'll be changes, I'll have to make them if we want to compete as the league is getting bigger and stronger."

Baxter on Paul Heatley:

"Well, Paul Heatley is a class act, and when you work with him on a week-to-week basis, you get to know his personality, you get to know him as a quality person and not just as a quality player.

If I had eleven Paul Heatleys you'd win a championship every year. I can't say enough about him, he's a brilliant, brilliant person, and his quality on the pitch is magnificent, and he took his two goals really well and rattled the woodwork. That's just the mark of a brilliant footballer, so we are hoping he might stay on another year."

Paul Heatley on potential retirement:

"I thought I was finished in May of last year, but I have a personal connection with the club because that's where it all started for me, and then I went to Crusaders. I did agree that it's just a year, and personally, I'll probably go away with the mentality that I'm done. The statement is never to say never, but I'll just go away, enjoy my holidays, and not worry about it."

Is that the last time you've kicked a ball in Premiership football?:

"Very possibly, but the important thing is the team, not the individual, but I'll back away and let the others get the accolades and let the club get the attention it deserves to push forward."

Annagh United manager Ciaran McGurgan on the game:

"It was men against boys, and that's me being totally, brutally honest. I think Carrick showed a bit of hunger and a bit of desire, and I think maybe the occasion has got to a few of our players.

"They've been super to get in this position, but it's a stretch too far. Carrick had time to replace players, and I think all those bits certainly helped, but they were deserved winners, and credit to them."

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Cliftonville and Glentoran will face off for the NIFL Women's League Cup final on 29 June after winning their respective groups.

Holders Cliftonville defeated Lisburn 3-0 to finish the group stages with three wins from three.

Caitlin McGuinness scored a first-half double for the Reds at Solitude before former Northern Ireland captain Marissa Callaghan secured the win.

They will face Glentoran in the decider, who won Group B with a perfect record with a 5-1 win over Crusaders Strikers.

Demi Vance and Kascie Weir netted first-half goals for the Glens, while Aimee Kerr, Mia Moore, Emily Wilson and Nadene Caldwell were on target after the restart.

Elsewhere, Linfield hammered Derry City 9-0 to finish second in Group A behind Cliftonville.

Keri Halliday, Mia Fitzsimmons and Eve Reilly all scored twice, while Alex Clarke, Charlotte Havern and Abi Sweetlove also netted for the Blues.

Gracie Conway scored four goals as Lisburn Rangers defeated Larne 5-0 in Group B for their first victory of the competition at Crewe Park.

Andy Gray
BBC Sport NI Journalist

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Sporting director Oran Kearney has ed head coach Dean Shiels in leaving Coleraine ahead of the club's European play-off.

Shiels and his assistant Michael O'Connor departed the club on Wednesday - just seven days before the European play-off semi-final.

Kearney, who Shiels replaced as manager after the 46-year-old stepped into his role as sporting director, has now also left the club.

Former Derry City manager Ruaidhri Higgins is the frontrunner to take over from Shiels and could be in position for the European play-off semi-final on Wednesday, 7 May.

The Bannsiders will face either Crusaders or Irish Cup finalists Dungannon Swifts in the play-off.

It brings to an end Kearney's 14-year association with the club, after he had two spells as manager either side of a one-season stint as St Mirren boss in 2018.

Kearney won the Irish Cup in 2018 and the League Cup two years later, as well as three runner-up finishes in the Irish Premiership.

He also guided the club to a famous win over NK Maribor in Europa League qualifying in 2020.

Henry Ross, executive chairman and majority shareholder at Coleraine, said Kearney had played a "significant role" in the recent history of the club.

"From his time in the dugout to his more recent position, Oran has always approached his responsibilities with dedication. On behalf of the board, the players, and our ers, I want to sincerely thank Oran."

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Former Carrick Rangers boss Stuart King has been appointed as the new manager of Premier Intermediate side Newry City.

King has been out of management since leaving Irish Premiership Carrick in October last year, where he was replaced by Stephen Baxter.

The former Linfield, Ballymena United and Glenavon winger King was appointed Carrick manager in June 2021.

The 43-year-old had previously spent five seasons with Banbridge Town.

After finishing in 10th position in his first campaign, Carrick finished eighth the following year and qualified for a first-ever European play-off last season.

They struggled in his third and final season in charge, losing nine of their 10 games before King stepped away.

Newry will play in the third-tier next season after suffering back-to-back relegations.

King succeeds Darren Mullen as Newry boss, who announced he would be stepping down from his second spell in charge of the club at the end of the season.

Speaking to the club's website, King said he was "very pleased it's over the line".

"It's been going on in the background for a while now and I have had plenty of discussions with the club and had things that I wanted to think through before I accepted," he added.

"I believe this is a brilliant project for me, it's close to home and I have family from Newry, I think I can really make a difference here and help put smiles back on people's faces.

"I am really looking forward to talking to the players and staff and start getting new players in."

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Scottish midfielder Liam Burt has become Glentoran's first summer g, ing the east Belfast side on a two-year deal.

The 25-year-old arrives at the Glens after the termination of his contract with League of Ireland side Shamrock Rovers.

Burt spent last season on loan at fellow League of Ireland side Shelbourne, making 35 appearances and scoring twice as Damian Duff's side won the Premier Division title.

The Glasgow native began his career with Rangers, before loan spells with Dumbarton and Alloa Athletic.

He has also played for Celtic as well as Bohemians and speaking to the club website, Burt said he was "absolutely delighted" to sign for Glentoran.

"I've played for big clubs in Scotland and the Republic of Ireland, so I know the expectation, pressure and responsibility that come with that, and I enjoy that challenge," he added.

"I've done my homework on Glentoran and have been hugely impressed by the progress the club has made over the past year. Declan Devine and his staff have reshaped the squad and built strong foundations for long-term success.

"The ambition here matches my own – I've come to win trophies and achieve as much as I possibly can."

Glentoran boss Declan Devine said that Burt was "a winner" who will "add a different dimension" to the team's midfield.

"This g is a real statement of intent from the club and from our owner, Ali Pour, as we continue building for next season and beyond," Devine continued

"It shows we are targeting the very best players available, and Liam is undoubtedly one of the finest midfield talents to have played in the League of Ireland in recent years."

Andy Gray
BBC Sport NI Journalist

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Dean Shiels has left his role as Coleraine head coach ahead of the club's European play-off on 7 May.

Shiels was appointed in May 2024 and guided the Bannsiders to fifth in the Irish Premiership as the club transitioned into full-time football.

After a spell as Oran Kearney's assistant, the 40-year-old stepped up to head coach at the Showgrounds after his brother-in-law moved into a sporting director role at the club.

Former Derry City manager Ruaidhri Higgins is the frontrunner to take over from Shiels and could be in position for the European play-off semi-final on Wednesday, 7 May.

The Bannsiders will face either Crusaders or Irish Cup finalists Dungannon Swifts in the play-off.

Michael O'Connor, Shiels' assistant coach, has also left the Showgrounds.

Coleraine said both Shiels and O'Connor leave "with the utmost respect and gratitude" and will be "warmly welcomed back in the future".

Henry Ross, executive chairman and majority shareholder at Coleraine, said Shiels had led the team with "great ion".

"On behalf of everyone connected to Coleraine Football Club, I extend heartfelt thanks to Dean and Michael, and wish them every success in the next chapter of their careers," he added.

Jonathan Bradley
BBC Sport NI Senior Journalist

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After winning his maiden Premier League title last weekend, Liverpool's Conor Bradley hopes his former club Dungannon Swifts can secure a memorable first of their own on Saturday.

The Stangmore Park outfit have never won the Irish Cup and will meet Cliftonville in the showpiece decider at Windsor Park on Saturday afternoon (14.30 BST).

The 21-year-old played age-group football for Dungannon United Youth and latterly Dungannon Swifts, and will be ing Rodney McAree's side from afar this weekend.

"I'm really looking forward to it," Bradley, who missed Liverpool clinching the title against Tottenham on Sunday through injury, told BBC Sport NI.

"I think they've done really well this year, obviously getting to the final."

Bradley had already caught the attention of Liverpool when playing with Dungannon, limiting his appearances for the club. Still, however, he enjoyed the experience.

"It was a good time when I was there," he added.

"I was there for 18 months or two years and I've really fond memories, I met some really good people when I was there.

"I loved my time at Dungannon. Hopefully they can get the job done in the final and bring a trophy back to Dungannon."

As they prepare for what could be the biggest day in the club's history, the Swifts' focus on youth is again in the spotlight.

Joe McAree, a former manager at Stangmore Park and father of current boss Rodney McAree, can still the first time he saw Bradley in action for his hometown club St Patrick's.

"I went to see him one night in Omagh and he was playing in a final two years up for St Patrick's," he recalled.

"It was obvious he was a great, talented player.

"I'd been told about him three years before, but there was no way I was going to be asking an eight-year-old to run up the road from Castlederg to Dungannon to play football."

'I still believe he's a Steven Gerrard'

Making his pitch to Bradley's parents after that game, the youngster did not immediately choose Dungannon.

"Conor wasn't sure, it was a long distance and he was closer to Maiden City," Joe McAree said.

"A couple of days later, the mum rang to say 'Conor feels he's better going to Maiden City but thank you very much' and everything else.

"To be honest, I could have cried on the phone, I very nearly did."

Within six months, Bradley had come to Dungannon and his successes at Liverpool have come as no surprise to those still at the club.

Joe McAree, however, believes there could be even more to come.

"I still believe he's a Steven Gerrard," he added.

"The first manager brave enough to put him into a Steven Gerrard role rather than right wing-back or right-back will have an even better player."

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Danny Gibson's hat-trick saw Carrick Rangers take a giant step towards Irish Premiership safety as Stephen Baxter's side beat Annagh United 5-2 in the first leg of the promotion/relegation play-off.

After the game BBC Sport NI caught up with both managers.

Carrick Rangers manager Stephen Baxter on Gibson's hat-trick: "He was absolutely lethal, that's Danny.

"If you put the ball in the right areas for him, he'll run on and score that goal, and tonight he found those spaces and was a handful all night, but that's the type of player Danny is.

"He has been playing well the last number of games. What I know Danny to be is that he has power and aggression, and if he gets a sight of the goal, he'll score."

On the performance of his side: "I'm very pleased. I'm probably disappointed if I'm honest that we didn't add to the five and with the two we conceded, but that's always the case around a manager - we will always pick out faults.

"It's only half-time, you can't get carried away with it. You're up the road with a 3-0 lead and you've to finish the job off on Friday night. That's what this game's all about, you've got to find a way through, and it's far from over."

Annagh United's Ciaran McGurgan on his side's defensive performance: "We are really, really disappointed. What we've done well all season defensively, we have the most clean sheets in the league, we didn't do this evening.

"I thought tonight we were well off it, it was a car crash at times. That's the most disappointing thing.

"The things we've done well to get results to get us here tonight, we didn't do, and Carrick punished us every time it went forward in the first half."

On the approach to the second leg: "It's only half-time, and yes, unfortunately, we are three goals down, but you get an early goal, and that changes things and gives you belief and momentum.

"They have to believe that they can go out on Friday night and give a good of themselves and get themselves back in it."

Danny Gibson hit a hat-trick as Carrick Rangers beat Annagh United 5-2 in the first leg of the Irish Premiership promotion/relegation play-off.

Read more.

Lauren McCann
BBC Sport NI Journalist

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Annagh United boss Ciaran McGurgan said it would be "unbelievable" to win the promotion/relegation play-off against Carrick Rangers and earn a place in the Irish Premiership.

Saturday's 2-0 win against Ards secured second spot for Annagh in the Championship and a place in the play-offs after a superb run of eight straight league wins.

Having lost out to Portadown and Dungannon Swifts in their two previous play-offs, McGurgan hopes they can get over the line at the third time of asking.

"The run we have been on has been unbelievable and it would be unbelievable if we could reach the Irish Premiership," he told BBC Radio Ulster's Sportsound.

"We're under no illusions it is going to be a tough task, but hopefully we can put on a performance.

"This is our third play-off in fourth years, I'm just hoping it's third time lucky."

Annagh host Carrick at Tandragee Park on Tuesday before travelling to Taylors Avenue for the second leg against the Premiership side.

McGurgan believes that Carrick having home advantage in the second leg will give the Premiership side an edge.

"We've just kept the focus on ourselves, we know what Carrick are about, they're experienced and a big physical team, we have different attributes to that so hopefully we can cause them problems," he continued.

"Unfortunately, these ties seem to favour the Irish Premiership team but all we can do is try get something Tuesday to hold on to going into Friday and see where it takes us."

You can follow live text commentary with in-play clips from both legs of the play-off on the BBC Sport NI website

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Four players from Irish Premiership champions Linfield have been named in the Northern Ireland Football Writers' Association Team of the Year.

Matthew Orr, Euan East, Joel Cooper and Matthew Fitzpatrick make up the Blues' quartet after they helped Linfield win the Gibson Cup for a record-extending 57th time before the split.

Eighteen-year-old Orr has impressed in his first year with the senior team and has also been nominated for Young Player of the Year.

He has been a virtual ever-present for David Healy's side in their defence alongside East, who has excelled in a number of different positions.

Cooper, who is up for Irish Premiership Player of the Year, scored 19 league goals in his final season for Linfield before his departure to Coleraine in the summer, whilst Fitzpatrick found the net 12 times.

Glentoran have three players in the team whilst Cliftonville and Dungannon Swifts each have two representatives.

Glens goalkeeper Daniel Gyollai, defender Kodi Lyons-Foster and midfielder Fuad Sule have all been included from Declan Devine's side who finished third and reached the BetMcLean League Cup final.

Swifts left-back Adam Glenny and midfielder Gael Bigirimana, who is also nominated for Player of the Year, feature after helping Rodney McAree's side to a fourth-place league finish and an Irish Cup final.

Reds captain Rory Hale was named in the team alongside Player of the Year nominee Joe Gormley, who finished as the league's t top goal scorer with 20 goals.

The duo were key to Cliftonville winning the BetMcLean Cup in March and they will look to win a cup double when the Reds face the Swifts in the Irish Cup final on 3 May.

NIFWA Team of the Year: Daniel Gyollai (Glentoran), Matthew Orr (Linfield), Kodi-Lyons Foster (Glentoran), Euan East (Linfield), Adam Glenny (Dungannon Swifts), Gael Bigirimana (Dungannon Swifts), Fuad Sule (Glentoran), Rory Hale (Cliftonville), Joel Cooper (Linfield), Joe Gormley (Cliftonville), Matthew Fitzpatrick (Linfield)