So famous had Omeath become in that period, that the `Belfast Telegraph` sent a team to investigate this newsworthy anomaly, whereby their citizens were being sustained from an officially hostile source.

It was reported that �when a motorists enquired: `Where is the town of Omeath?� the solitary Garda on duty pointed to the row of roadside shacks, with two or three pubs.

�Stall-holders sold many tons of `creamery butter,� thousands of eggs, innumerable crates of fruit, along with butter, sugar, bacon, tomatoes, cigarettes balloons and silk stockings, `Omeath Rock� and chocolate. Also, the pubs and hotels do a roaring trade. The jarveys make a killing on the journey to Calvary or Carlingford. But the trippers get value for money, with an eyeful of the scenic lough.

�But, even though prices were far in excess of those in the North, everyone was satisfied. The visitors were able to buy food, unobtainable at home, without having to produce ration books.�

However, the article severely criticised the �apology for a pier. It is simply a long slab of concrete, varying in length, according to the state of the tide, and 12 feet in width.�

A garda was quoted as saying: � Everything is quiet and peaceful, until it is time for people to go home. Then they crowd on to that strip of concrete, carrying parcels and children. Every time that a boat comes over from Warrenpoint, the passengers have to be landed. They have to push and shove through the crowd, waiting to embark.

�Women and children are pushed to the edge of the pier, and are often in danger of being pushed into the water. There is no hand-rail, or division between incoming and outgoing passengers. That�s what�s responsible for the fights, brawls and general unpleasantness.�

However, a pub-owner was anxious to dispel any impression that Omeath was �a den of iniquity. The people who come here aren�t looking for trouble. They�re here principally to purchase butter and eggs. Nobody looks for trouble, with a dozen or two of eggs in their hands.�

And a Customs official stated that there had been a �minimum of trouble from cross-borer shoppers, the majority of whom only bought what they were entitled to, - five pounds worth of foodstuff.

�The trouble is that some traders in Omeath sell prohibited goods, - they are much more to blame than the people, who purchase them.�

Author and broadcaster, Sam McAughtery, who served in the RAF, was based at Cranfield Aerodrome during the war. He recalled how U.S. planes, carrying contraband spirits, would signal to smugglers at Omeath that they had arrived.

A flotilla of boats would sail over the lough and load up. Then they would have to play a cat-and-mouse game, evading Customs patrol boats.

Sam also recalled �Mystery Bus Tours,� organised from various towns throughout the North. They were known as �Smugglers� Specials.� However, if the passengers were apprehended, they lost everything, even goods obtained legitimately. Many were �very distressed.�

The golden era of smuggling ended when Ireland and Britain joined the European Common Market. All customs barriers came down, with a free flow of trade between North and South. By that time, of course, rationing had long ended.

But, though the appeal of cheap fags and drink, and unobtainable food had gone, the 60�s signalled an era of greater mobility. Families with cars could make regular week-end forays, exploring the scenic delights of the Cooley peninsula. And they could drop down to enjoy the craic in the pubs and hotels around Omeath, at any time.

Times may change, but the scene remains the same!

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