It was the end of a week during which the world saw all that can be good about Northern Ireland. Olympic success, bringing four gold medals for Northern Ireland athletes, was surely something worth celebrating.
Swimmers Daniel Wiffen and Jack McMillan, rower Hannah Scott and then, majestically on Saturday afternoon, gymnast Rhys McClenaghan all enjoyed golden moments.
All four triumphs, plus the performances of all those from Northern Ireland who have made the Olympics have given everyone a sense of pride in their achievements on a world stage.
It was the perfect example for young people across Northern Ireland to follow.
How depressing then that come Saturday evening, the spotlight had been diverted to something much more akin to how Northern Ireland has traditionally been seen across the world.
They may have been few in number, but the message sent out was much louder than their actions deserved.
Those who joined in anti-immigration protests, who burnt out those who the vast majority welcome to their communities, have shamed us all.
Over the past number of weeks there has been an ill wind spreading across towns and cities in the UK and similarly in the Republic of Ireland.
Some of the words in particular being chanted make for difficult listening, the anger being displayed is uncomfortable to watch.
There is, of course, the right for anyone to protest, to have a view on the society they live in.
But holding those views does not give anyone the right to violence, to threatening life and livelihoods, or to placing communities in fear.
Look instead to west Belfast, where Feile was bringing out thousands for a 1980s revival night. That is the Belfast we should inspire to be, the Belfast that needs to be seen across the world.
Instead, some will go away with nothing but terrible recollections after city tours for cruise ship passengers were cancelled on Saturday as protests spilled into violence.
What Belfast do we want to live in?
The answer should be easy. Give us the one that rejoices in sporting success, the one where people gather together for music festivals, the one where a Hindu festival at Crescent Park can go ahead in an atmosphere of togetherness and community spirit, rather than be abandoned.
Belfast is so much better than the images that went around the world over the weekend.
It’s time we showed it.