ANALYSIS:The Omagh bombing was the worst single act of violence perpetrated by paramilitaries in Northern Ireland since the IRA began its campaign in 1969, writes Paul Anderson
To most people it was the most sobering reminder of the human cost of pursuing political ends through violent means.
Bar-stool support for republican 'freedom fighters', on the wane since the advent of the peace process, was well and truly quashed. But five years after the horror of August 15th 1998; the term, Omagh bombing, has become an almost empty expression for murdering men, women and children of all ages, and destroying the lives of countless others.
Families of victims of the attack will commemorate the fifth anniversary of the their loss tomorrow knowing their campaign for justice is finally making progress.
While no-one has been convicted of the bombing, two members of the Real IRA - the organisation largely regarded as being responsible for the attack - are now in jail. And the British government confirmed an £800,000 grant to assist a civil action being taken against five men relatives believe were responsible for the attack.
But painful memories will be inevitably be stirred tomorrow and the fact that no-one has been tried for the atrocity is still a cause of considerable bitterness.
"I would certainly, as far as seeking justice is concerned, like to see someone specifically charged with the events of August 15, 1998," said Victor Barker, whose 12 year-old son James was among the dead.
However, Michael Gallagher, whose 21-year-old son Aiden was among the 31 people killed on the sunny Saturday afternoon as shoppers went about their business in the Co Tyrone market town, was positive about this week's announcement of government aid.
"It has been a long, hard campaign over the last 18 months and this at least gives us some hope," said Mr Gallagher, who is chairman of the Omagh Victims Group.
"I think we really are going to have our day in court," he said. But indicating that a successful outcome to the civil action would not bring closure, he added: "I would hope we have our day in the criminal court too."
Families are aggrieved that police north and south of the border have been unable to put anyone in the dock over the mass murder and as the years have gone by, claims that the atrocity could have been averted through police intelligence and questions over the actions of the RUC on the day of the bombing add to the pain.
And while politicians' "pious words" not backed by deeds has turned grief to anger; support from celebrities such as Bob Geldof has provided some succour.
And there has been some progress on the legal front. Last week, alleged Real IRA leader Michael McKevitt was given 20 years by the Special Criminal Court in Dublin for directing terrorism but the Omagh bombing was not part of the charge.
Last year, Colm Murphy, a 50-year-old publican and builder, was given a 14-year prison sentence for conspiring to cause an explosion, but his role in the Omagh bombing was peripheral, the court found.
Both McKevitt and Murphy have been named in the civil suit being taken by the Omagh Victims' Civil Action Group. Writs have also been served on Liam Campbell - who is serving five years for membership of an illegal organisation - and two other men.
Until all those guilty of the Omagh bombing are brought to justice, then a chill will always we be felt in the Co Tyrone town and in the hearts of its residents.
The weather forecast for tomorrow is bright sunshine. Just like the day five years ago when a 500lb bomb wreaked devastation on Omagh's main shopping district when it exploded at 3.10 in the afternoon, killing 31 people including two unborn babies and their mother.
Unlike previous commemorations this year's sun may send down a ray of hope.