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It could have been a moment of great jeopardy for power-sharing at Stormont.
The moment when the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) bowed to pressure and effectively collapsed the Executive.
But the party moved quickly to remove that threat within hours of the Orange parade being banned from the Garvaghy Road.
Party leader Gavin Robinson insisted they "will not sacrifice the stability of Northern Ireland and plunge it into further crisis".
To do so, he said, would allow "Sinn Féin an escape route from the spotlight and accountability".
For the DUP, pulling down the institutions was high risk with an election on the horizon.
History shows parties who walk away from Stormont pay a heavy price at the polls.
Especially before a budget is agreed to approve public sector pay rises thus avoiding strikes.
The DUP has opted instead to keep the focus on potential lawbreaking by Sinn Féin ministers.
It allows for more tough talking in the chamber even though the punishment if convicted will result in fines.
Though some in the DUP question if the institutions can be "sustainable" if First Minister Michelle O'Neill and her executive colleagues are found to have broken the law.
That will be a calculation for another time and much will depend on the proximity of polling day.
But the Drumcree dispute has delivered for Sinn Féin.
It provided the platform to supercharge its election campaign and helped deflect from questions around delivery at Stormont.
Though the court ruling clearing the way for the A5 has eased some pressure on the party.
But it delivered on its promise to residents to ensure no parade down the Garvaghy Road.
In truth any prosecutions they may face for standing with residents will be viewed by many within the party as a badge of honour.
