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 people 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 use 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 the 1911 census we can see the beautiful names these boats were given by their owners. above is a small example of the names plus their owners.

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, Katie  Stephen Small

Maggie  Michael Hardy

Brigela, North Star   Richard Fegan

Lena  Thomas Anderson

Bonnie Belle   Patrick McCarthy

Lucy  Thomas Holland

Lively   Oliver McKeown

Sea Gull(old customs boat)   Bought by Joe O’Hagan

Three Piloting boats were as follows:

Quickstep alexander Parks

Shamrock James O’Hanlon

Peep of Day   James anderson

Credit to Omeath Historical Society