There were jubilant scenes both inside and outside the High Court this evening as anti-bin-charge protesters claimed victory after escaping sanction for breaking a Judge's order preventing them from inhibiting waste collections in the Fingal Co Co area.
Shortly before 6 p.m. this evening Mr Justice Herbert told the nine protesters he would not be sending them to jail because of he had been presented with an insufficient standard of proof.
The crowded court room erupted in applause and cheers. The judge could have imposed a jail term, fine or other form of sanction but declined to do so despite saying they were in contempt of court. "This is the people's court," he was heard to mutter as he retired to his chambers.
There were emotional scenes as friends and family hugged, some with tears in their eyes. They seem to realise they had probably had a close escape.
Outside they posed for TV cameras and press photographers in ebullient mood. But giving interviews to the press most of them indicated they would be more careful about protesting in the future.
"Rutherdale [their barrister] did a brilliant job. He really did his homework," one of the protesters, Vincent Mannion said.
But he was, like some - though not all his brothers and sisters in protest - defiant.
"The protest must get a boost from this. It's all about people power. We were willing to go to prison for this cause," Mr Mannion said.
But wary of his experience in court - the first, he said, for all those before the judge today - he added: "We will have to sit down and consider what our next move is."
John Daniel, another protester before Mr Justice Herbert said: "I'm relieved but at the same time annoyed that we were threatened with being thrown in jail.
"The contrast between our case and the way crooked politicians are treated is incredible," he continued.
As the Blanchardstown Nine gathered to express their relief, their thoughts turned to Joe Higgins and Clare Daly the Socilaist Party leaders of the campaign who were jailed for a month for their protests.
Mr Daniel, a party member asked: "What does this ruling mean for Joe and Clare?"
As none of the protesters seemed to understand why they had got off despite the judge finding they had breached the High Court order, they will have to call on their "hero" Alastair Rutherford to get an understanding of the implications of the two troubling days in court.
Even Mr Justice Herbert admitted the experience had been distressing.