 In November 1976, floodlights were erected on the left-hand side of the pitch, allowing training to continue on winter evenings.In 1977, the club purchased its first minibus and the senior team gained promotion to Division 2 and senior football after a 20-year absence.Also in 1977, the President of the G.A.A., Con Murphy from Cork, visited Longstone as part of his tour of Down clubs.