The people of Omagh marked the millennium in a quiet and reflective mood during an inter-denominational service in the town centre on New Year's Eve. Several hundred took part in the Last Light ceremony which had been organised by the town's Churches Forum.
During the short service, a flame from the millennium beacon was placed in the garden of remembrance, set up in memory of those who died in the August 1998 bombing in the town's Market Street.
Also taking part in the ceremony was a joint choir from Christ the King and Gibson Primary Schools, while local singer Dominic Kirwan led the attendance in a recital of the Millennium Prayer.
Four months ago, Omagh formally launched Britain's millennium celebrations when The Corrs headed an open-air concert in front of an estimated 30,000 people in the Showgrounds.
Following the launch, tapers from the millennium beacon, which were lit by local schoolchildren Leanne Martin and Brendan Grimes, went out to towns and cities throughout the UK and Ireland.
Speaking at Omagh's millennium service, the local council's chief executive, Mr John McKinney, told those present that the Omagh of today was a community aware of its responsibilities towards the people of the area. Everyone concerned, he said, was striving to create a town where people felt a sense of belonging.
"At the time of the Omagh bombing, the outside world noticed something special, indeed Godly, in the hearts of our suffering people. We pray that there will always be something special and spiritual about us and those who will live in this place after us," he said.
In a New Year message, the council chairman, Mr Allan Rainey, who was awarded an MBE in Queen Elizabeth's New Year's Honours List, said the memories of the atrocity were still very much with the town and its people. However, he now hoped differences could be put aside with the creation of a new and lasting peace.
"It is with great anticipation that I look forward to the new millennium," he said.
"Never before have we had in our grasp such an excellent opportunity for peace in our time. My greatest wish then is for permanent peace and continued prosperity for everyone."
