If we go back in time through Omeath’s history we will see how the sea has played such an important part in so many local peoples lives. Many went on to become sailors on far away distant shores, others became fishermen, others ran small cargo boats which were used to ferry goods and livestock between Omeath and Warrenpoint. Some ran small row boats to ferry passengers across the lough. Many owned private boats for their own private use. Often they used them for a quiet pleasure trip up and down the Lough. For many these little boats were a way of life, it was how you earned your bread and butter trying to make a shilling to keep the family going. a tough life indeed out in all weathers. If you go back as far as 1911 census we can see the beautiful names these boats were given by their owners. Have a look at some of the small examples of the names plus their owners.
Name: Owner:
Flower, Blue Maid William Kelly
Daisy Peter Maguire
Flirt John Hardy
Mary Anne Owen O’Hagan
Minnie, Lily Peter O’Hanlon
Rose in Bloom,Anne, Kate Stephen Small
Maggie Michael Hardy
Brigela, North Star Richard Fegan
Lena Thomas Anderson
Bonnie Bella Patrick McCarthy
Lucy Thomas Holland
Lively Oliver McKeown
Sea gull ( old customs boat) bought by Joe O’Hagan