The fine drizzle, which had considerately provided a temporary pause, did little to dampen the enthusiasm of the many people who had gathered at Omagh Library to commemorate two extraordinary sisters.

Doreen Cororan of the Ulster History Circle said that the Circle was pleased to erect a blue plaque in honour of two sisters who did much to preserve our common heritage; in the town where they spent their formative years. She thanked the Heritage Lottery Fund and the District Council for their financial assistance and Libraries NI for their cooperation in allowing the plaque to be erected on the library, for the fine exhibition of the sisters' work on display in the library and for providing refreshments for the event.

The Chairman of Omagh District Council, Councillor Declan McAleer, said that the Council was delighted that Alice and Charlotte Milligan are being honoured in this way. Alice in particular had a long association with Omagh, having been born in the town and lived for much of her life in the village of Mountfield, just a few miles outside Omagh. Both ladies played a significant role in the Irish Literary revival in the late 19th and early 20th century; Alice as a poet and playwright and Charlotte for her collection of folk music. Both ladies edited highly respected journals and Charlotte is credited with the collecting and promoting the music of the renowned 18th Century harpist Edward Bunting. The Milligan sisters were very much part of Omagh's rich literary and musical heritage.

Gerry Burns, member of the Heritage Lottery Fund Committee for Northern Ireland said that the Fund was delighted to be involved in an event that highlighted the rich and varied heritage of Omagh. The Plaque was a fitting tribute to two local women whose love and appreciation of their heritage inspired numerous creative works that influenced the development and advancement of our society. He thanked the Circle for their work in commemorating these and other notable personalities who had made a significant difference to the life and development of the province.

In a statement, Helen Osborne, Director of Service Delivery with Libraries NI, said she was delighted that one of its buildings has been chosen as home for the commemorative plaque in honour of the Milligan sisters, who hailed from the Omagh area and are recognised for the significance their lives have played in the district's history. Northern Ireland's libraries aim to offer a range of services and events focusing on culture, heritage, learning and information, and the unveiling of this plaque in Omagh Library was a perfect way to illustrate commitment to this.

Some photos of the event are shown below.