FIVE WEEKS ago the centre of Omagh was sombre for the 10th anniversary of the 1998 bomb, the worst atrocity of the Troubles. Last night, it was one big street party.
Crowds celebrated Tyrone's third All-Ireland in six years, and their confirmation as team of the decade.
Hundreds had watched on a big screen outdoors at the Main Street shopping mall. There was a touch of La Liga rather than the All-Ireland about it. Supporters in Tyrone tops were sipping cappuccinos at outside tables while they watched.
As Kerry got their noses in front in the first half, it seemed the weather in Omagh might be a metaphor for Tyrone. The day had begun bright and warm as summer. Then it cooled to an autumn nip. The clouds darkened. It looked like it was going to rain on Tyrone's chances.
Every touch of the ball got a cheer. But the Tyrone fans have experienced decades of being almost there, but not quite far enough. When Collie McCullagh went off injured, there was a palpable fear this was a turning point - and not in Tyrone's favour. Then Tommy McGuigan drove the ball into the net. Tyrone were in front and on top. The feeling came from the crowd - their team could do it.
For the female fans, it seemed victory had come early. When the blond-haired Owen Mulligan came on 10 minutes from the end, there was an ear-splitting roar from hundreds of female throats. No doubt, they were cheering his footballing abilities.
As the last minutes ticked away, hundreds were on their feet, willing Tyrone to keep going for those last few minutes. When the final whistle went, the cheer had joy and relief in it.
People of all ages and backgrounds hugged one another. It wasn't just members of both the North's communities. There were Polish and Chinese supporters there too.
As the huge impromptu street party gathered momentum, a cold drizzle came down. There was no indication anybody noticed. Drizzle was falling on Omagh, but it was raining on Kerry's dream of three-in-a-row.