LONDON (CNN) -- Amid the fireworks, street parties and New Year's kisses, the people of Northern Ireland bid farewell to a momentous year in their history.

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Maybe 1999 will see the peace Northern Ireland hopes for
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1998 brought a historic peace accord with the promise of ending decades of bloodshed -- an accord that would be tested by bombings, mistrust and a stalemate over disarming guerrilla groups.

Amanda Kibel takes a closer look at the dramatic changes that swept into Northern Ireland.