As the anniversary of the Omagh bombing approaches, preparations have been made to mark the passing of a year since 29 people lost their lives and more than 300 were injured in a "Real IRA" car bomb attack.
Huge crowds are expected to gather outside the town's Courthouse at 3 p.m. on Sunday week, a short distance from where the explosion occurred on August 15th last year. Survivors of the attack, many of whom lost limbs or were severely scarred by flying shrapnel, will be among those present. Some victims are still undergoing treatment.
The majority of the dead were from Omagh and neighbouring towns and villages, although two, a teacher and a student, came from Madrid. A minute's silence is expected to be observed at 3.10 p.m. - the exact time that the bomb detonated. Another service of remembrance will be held in the main street in Buncrana, Co Donegal, simultaneously with the service in Omagh. Three young boys from Buncrana were killed in the blast.
A civic reception will be held in Buncrana tomorrow week, the eve of the anniversary, and a small delegation of officials from Omagh will lay a wreath in St Mary's graveyard in Cockhill. A peace vigil will be held in the adjoining church later.
The Omagh Fund, a memorial fund for the bereaved and injured, is expected to top £6 million before next week's anniversary.
Hoardings on both sides of lower Market Street now mark the scene of the bomb. The buildings have been demolished and plans for redevelopment include a centre for healing and reconciliation between Protestants and Catholics.
A police investigation into the bomb attack continues and to date, one man has been charged. The Garda and RUC have been involved in a cross-Border investigation over the last year.
In June, the RUC Chief Constable, Sir Ronnie Flanagan, said he was confident that more people would stand trial for the attack.