Latest: President lays wreath at GPO to commemorate Easter Rising
President Michael D Higgins today laid a wreath at the focal point of the Easter Rising as the nation marked the 101st anniversary of the rebellion.
Michael D Higgins was joined by Taoiseach Enda Kenny at the event outside the General Post Office on O'Connell Street, the landmark building that served as the headquarters of the 1916 rebels.
Who doesn't love a bit of pomp and ceremony on an Easter Sunday? Michael D certainly does #1916 pic.twitter.com/OXeAzKEL1H
— Kevin Doyle (@KevDoyle_Indo) April 16, 2017
Members of the Irish Defence Forces personnel took part in the state ceremony.
The event began with the lowering of the Irish tricolour. A prayer was read and a piper played a lament before the Proclamation of Independence was read by a Defence Forces officer.
Ireland strikes for her freedom 2017 #EasterRising #proclamation #GPO pic.twitter.com/Nge2PKji5k
— Kevin Doyle (@KevDoyle_Indo) April 16, 2017
On Easter Monday 1916, leader Patrick Pearse stood outside the GPO and read out the proclamation to herald the start of the insurrection against British rule.
After Mr Higgins laid the laurel wreath, a minute's silence was held and the Last Post played.
The official ceremony concluded with the raising of the tricolour, the playing of Amhrán na bhFiann and a fly-past by four planes from the Irish Air Corps.
And a fly past from the Air Corp to finish off #EasterSunday #1916 pic.twitter.com/idzyJBfgth
— Kevin Doyle (@KevDoyle_Indo) April 16, 2017
The event was lower key than last year, when hundreds of thousands of people lined the streets of Dublin for a huge military parade to mark the 100th anniversary.
Earlie, Heritage Minister Heather Humphreys and deputy UK ambassador to Ireland Neil Holland attended a series of commemorative events in Glasnevin cemetery in Dublin.
The programme included the raising of the tricolour over the monument to celebrated poet Dora Sigerson and the laying of wreaths at the graves of Edward Hollywood, the man who delivered the first tricolour flag to Ireland from France, and Peadar Kearney, the composer of Amhran na bhFiann.
Minister Humphreys said: "These moments of commemoration provide us with an opportunity to recognise the legacy of those who went before us and their enduring influence on the Ireland of today."
The great grandson of Peader Kearney, Dualta O' Broin, sang the anthem at the event.
John Green, chairman of Glasnevin Trust, said: "In remembering Dora Sigerson, Edward Hollywood and Peadar Kearney each Easter Sunday morning we hope to encourage today's generations to explore the complex and intricate period in our history a century ago."
A granite memorial incorporating the names of all those who died in the Rising, including rebellion leaders and British soldiers, was unveiled in Glasnevin as part of the centenary commemorations last year.
Almost 500 people were killed in the 1916 Rising, the majority of them - 268 - were civilians caught up in the violence.
A total of 119 British soldiers died.
Events are currently taking place across the country to mark the 101st Anniversary of the 1916 Rising.
The biggest one is being held at the GPO in Dublin.
Family and friends of those who passed away, along with the Taoiseach and Presidnet have gathered outside the GPO.
Members of the defence forces and other organisations like the the Air Corp and the Millitary band are remembering those who died during the 1916 Rising.
Enda Kenny, the President Michael D Higgins and the Minister for defence are in attendance and will watch the national flag being lowered and the Proclamation on Independence being read out.
Dublin’s O’Connell street will stay closed until 3pm with smaller events also taking place across the country.
Memorial in #Cobh, Co #Cork, to the 1916 volunteers from that town. @Corkcoco @mayor_co_cork #LoveCork @LoveCork #Eire #ROI #EasterRising pic.twitter.com/865MosQcDc
— Irish History Bitesize! (@lorraineelizab6) April 16, 2017
