Tiernan Lynch praised the character of his players in dealing with the emotion of Jerry Thompson's tragic passing.
Thompson - a former player at the club - died on Tuesday and was laid to rest just hours before Saturday's game against Coleraine.
Larne earned a 2-2 draw at Inver Park , with Lynch's players dedicating Davy McDaid's opening goal to the 24-year-old.
After scoring, they raised aloft a jersey with Thompson's name and number three on it.
"It was a very emotional day. It has been a very emotional week," Lynch said.
"Young Jerry was a massive part of the beginning of our journey. He was a young lad who was hugely loved and respected in our changing room.
"The boys found it very difficult to deal with the news, and today was a very difficult day for them, both on and off the pitch.
"But I think the 90 minutes , and the heart, hunger and desire they showed, they did Jerry proud."
Lynch added: "Jerry was a special boy, and they are a special team. Ideally the players would love to have got three points for Jerry today.
"But great credit to those players, they came through a very difficult week and a very difficult morning.
"They tried their best to dust themselves off and tried to be professional in what they did today.
"I couldn't have asked any more of them in the end."
Larne goalkeeper Conor Devlin was the standout performer as he continually denied Coleraine to help earn his side their point.
"Conor had a tough day. He was very close to Jerry. They were probably our first signings when we came in," Lynch said.
"I thought Conor did Jerry extremely proud today."
Reflecting on Jerry Thompson the footballer, Lynch said: "He was a top, top kid.
"He was a young lad that every time you saw him he had a smile on his face. He loved Larne and was a fans' favourite.
"He was one of thse players who you knew what you were getting out of him every week. You had to drag him off the training pitch, and out of games when he wanted to play on.
"He wore his heart on his sleeve, and there was never a time when he gave less than 100 per cent.
"As a club and a team, our hearts are broken this week. He will never be forgotten on this journey, that's for sure."
Anyone who needs to talk to someone about mental health issues can call the Samaritans on 116123 or Lifeline on 0808 808 8000.
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