The Red Star Line...more history

The Red Star Ferry Service from Warrenpoint

The Red Star Ferry Service from Warrenpoint to Omeath was formed in the 1930's. Originally it was called the "Red Star Combine Motor Boat Service".

Five owners got together to pool their earnings at the end of each week , this was locally known as the 'square-up' . The five main founders were Stephen Bradley ( Madonna ) Thomas Mc Guigian grandfather of the late Christy McGuigian ( Newry ) George Dinsmore ( St Patrick ) and Danny O'Neill, owner of the 'Fair Play' .

The Red Star boats had competition from the 'St George' which could take 110 passengers and also the 'Fairy Queen' . The 'St George' was owned by John ( Skin ) Magee, which they got from Wales. The boat would later be owned by the Tinnelly family from Rostrevor.

As well as the Red Star boats, there was also the White Star boats from Omeath, including Bobby Anderson ( Flying Cloud ) Hughie Mc Carthy ,Eddie O'Hanlon ( Gem Jack ), and the Buttridges family .

Names of Boats and owners:

Madonna - S.Bradley
St Patrick - G. Dinsmore
Fair Play - Donal O'Neill
Doris - Jim Magee (Brian Magee's Father )
Marie Gorett - Danny Tinnelly
Olive - Henry O' Neill
Girl Pat - John Dinsmore
The Evening Star - John Mc Neill
Little Flower - Mc Guigans
St Anthony - Mc Guigans
Mary Oge - P.O' Neill
Newry - Dinsmores
The Julian - Terry Mc Neill Later by Oliver Dinsmore