A major security operation was to be put in place today for a flashpoint loyalist parade in west Belfast.
The parade passed off peacefully, but only after nationalists - incensed by the authorities reversing their decision and letting Orangemen march through their district - blocked off main roads in protest.
Belfast's central station and the major West Link route were brought to a halt.
Up to 300 protesters gathered on the Springfield Road amid tight security as the bitterly contested Whiterock procession passed off peacefully.
The Parades Commission, which rules on all contentious marches in Northern Ireland, originally barred the Orange Order from walking along the Springfield Road.
It cited loyalist paramilitary emblems being displayed 12 months ago and a refusal to talk with residents as the reason for its decision. But amid intense anger at the ban, and after talks with political and community representatives, the block was lifted.
Marchers were told they must ensure all terrorist flags were removed and a flute band which flouted the rules was told it could not parade. Riot squad officers lined the route to keep back nationalists holding protest banners while Orangemen and banned members came through a heavily fortified peace line.
No tunes were played and some banners were kept furled during the 10-minute procession. Although some youths threw golf balls at the security forces as they moved out after the march, fears of major trouble proved unfounded.