Carndonagh’s Sam Todd suffers defeat as Larne falls 4-1 to Shamrock Rovers

Carndonagh native Sam Todd was a part of the Larne side who fell to a 4-1 defeat on Thursday night at the hands of Shamrock Rovers in their Europa Conference League clash in Belfast. 

Rovers dominated early, scoring three times within the first 30 minutes. Joshua Honohan opened the scoring, followed by a Johnny Kenny header and an own goal from Larne’s Thomas Cosgrove.  

Graham Burke sealed the win in the second half, despite a goal from Larne's Christopher Gallagher. 

This win gives the League of Ireland champions an early boost in the competition, while Larne’s difficult start in their first-ever European group stage continues, as they remain without a win.  

Playing at Windsor Park, rather than their usual Inver Park home, may have contributed to their struggles, with Honohan’s goal arriving just three minutes into the game. 

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Kenny doubled Rovers’ lead with a header in the 24th minute, and Cosgrove’s own goal, confirmed after a VAR check, effectively ended the contest by halftime. 

Though Gallagher pulled one back for Larne early in the second half, Burke quickly responded, restoring Rovers' three-goal lead with a well-placed shot into the bottom corner. 

Todd joined NIFL Premier League side Larne FC back in August from Derry City and will remain on loan until January.  

The 26-year-old has made 14 appearances for the Candystripes this season and scored the winning goal at Turner's Cross back in August as City beat Cork to progress to the FAI Cup quarter-finals.  

Todd, who originally developed through Derry’s youth ranks, returned to the club in July 2023 after a six-year period during which he played for Finn Harps under Ollie Horgan and UCD.   

He will rejoin Derry City for pre-season training ahead of the next campaign.