Chapter 6: The 1990's

In the early 90's, Longstone faced the prospect of relegation to Division 2. They needed a point against League Champions Burren in the final match of the season to stay up. In a nerve-wrecking game, the 'Stone showed their spirit and clawed and scraped for every ball, while a bit of luck was needed in the 3rd minute of injury time as a Burren free sailed wide and the 'Stone had won the right to a play-off for their Division 1 status. Then followed two vital play-off matches, against Clonduff and Carryduff, both of which Longstone won.

1991 saw the return of silverware to the Longstone Club. Under the management of Thomas McCartan (Snr.) and Finbar Cotter, the Longstone Reserves overcame the strong challange of their Ballyholland counterparts to win the Father Davies Shield. The captain of the victors, Michael Haughian, lifted the shield in Petit Park, Rostrevor, in front of a huge Longstone following. The victory, although narrow, was deserved and it was the typical poaching style of the forwards which sealed it for Longstone, with a spectacular goal late in the second half.
Longstone Panel: Martin Burden, Michael Haughian (Capt.), Niall Rogers, Wilfred Rogers, Joseph Blair, Thomas McCartan (Jnr.), Adrian Haughian, Denis Cotter, Brendan McDowell, John Poland, Michael Curran, Emmett Haughian (Jnr.), Christopher Burden, Eamon Kelly, Brendan Trainor, John Trainor, Terry Trainor, Kieran Rooney, Peter Trainor (Snr.), Aquinas Haughian, Eugene Cunningham, Paul Trimble.

Ambrose Rogers did the Longstone Club proud in 1991 when he realised his life-long ambition and won his All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Medal.

In June '93, the 'Stone won the Feis an Dúin Senior Sevens at St. Patrick's Park, Newcastle, and represented Down in the All-Ireland Kilmacud Crokes Sevens.

On the 26th September, 1993, at Páirc Esler, Longstone defeated Carryduff 2-6 to 0-9 to win the Reserve Football Championship. On this day we broke the jinx of losing finals to record a historic win. There were jubilant scenes as the cup was presented to the twenty year old captain, Denis Cotter, and paraded in front of the supporters. It was a historic day for the club and and that night a victory dinner and celebration were held in Longstone Hall.
Longstone Panel: Wilfred Rogers, Michael Haughian, Niall Rogers, Barry Kelly, Thomas McCartan, Shane Rogers, Denis Cotter (Capt.), Michael Curran, Brendan McDowell, Garry Rogers, Aquinas Haughian, Kieran Rooney, Hugh Trainor, John Trainor, Peter Trainor, Eugene Cunningham, Mark O'Reilly, Paddy Mallon, Joey Annett, Paul Trimble, Conleth Sloan, Liam Rooney, Martin Burden, Mark Murphy.

In 1995, the club held it's Féile 50 and was held over a two week festival at the Longstone Hall and pitch. There was a lot that happened, with the annual sports, and an exhibition that was open for viewing through out the fortnight. This was officially opened by Jack Boothman, the then President of the G.A.A., who also unveiled a commerative plaque as well. There was also a quiz, hosted by UTV's Frank Mitchell. The tournament was a big success, being sponsored by Bank Of Ireland. The eventual winners were An Ríocht.

Over the next couple of years, the 'Stone were plying their trade in Division 2 but in 1998 they annexed the ACFL Division 2 title at Ballymartin where they defeated an Annaclone side who overcame Longstone in the two league games between the sides that year. Longstone ran out winners.

The same year, an amalgamation of Longstone and Ballymartin, reached the U-16 Championship final at Rostrevor but came up against a strong Mayobridge team, who contained a couple of players that would go on to greater things with club and county, one of them with their country!

In 1999, the club had its blackest day when big Ambrose was suddenly taken from us. His loss was huge and it took the club and community a long time to get over what happened. A true gentleman who lived for Longstone, he would never be forgotten by anyone who knew him. In the same year, the club also lost two of its founder members, Tom Trainor and T. G. Burden.

Mark Doran did the club and community proud when he gained an All-Ireland Minor winners medal in an exceptional team. He lined out in the championship at right half back and left corner back, playing an absolute stormer in the replayed Ulster final versus Donegal and the All-Ireland semi final against Dublin at Navan.

The same year the 'Stone were relegated to Division 2 after a brief stay in Division 1, losing out in the play-offs.