President leads commemorations marking the 1916 Easter Rising

Michael D Higgins has led commemorations marking the 1916 Easter Rising in Dublin.

President leads commemorations marking the 1916 Easter Rising

Update 7.45pm: Michael D Higgins has led commemorations marking the 1916 Easter Rising in Dublin.

The President was joined by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar at a military ceremony on O'Connell Street.

The annual ceremony involved prayers of remembrance and the laying of a wreath by the President.

Air Corps Captain Sean McCarthy read out a copy of the Proclamation on the steps on the GPO (General Post Office) where the rebellion against British rule began 102 years ago.

Wreath laying ceremonies took place at Glasnevin Cemetary today. Photo: Fennell Photography.
Wreath laying ceremonies took place at Glasnevin Cemetary today. Photo: Fennell Photography.

Although on a smaller scale than the centenary events of two years ago, O'Connell Street was thronged with thousands of onlookers including relatives of the 1916 leaders.

A number of government ministers and former president Mary McAleese also attended the event which culminated with an Air Corps fly past.

It was also reported that Fr Joseph Mallin, the last surviving child of a rebel leader, Michael Mallin, had died in Hong Kong on Sunday morning.

Separate commemorative events were also held at Glasnevin Cemetery.

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Josepha Madigan was joined by Sarah Tiffan, Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy, and Ambassador Stephane Crouzat on behalf of the French Embassy as well as members of the Irish Defence Forces for the event which included the raising of the tricolour over the Sigerson Monument.

Mr Madigan said: "It is a great honour for me to represent the Government at this ceremony of remembrance to commemorate all those who died in the cause of Irish freedom during Easter Week 1916.

We remember in a special way those who rest in peace in this cemetery and the creators of our two great symbols of nationhood.

John Green, chairman of Glasnevin Trust, said: "It's important that we remember the young men and women who gave their lives to this country.

It's remembrance days like these at Glasnevin Cemetery, where so many heroes of Easter week are buried, that give us a chance to reflect our past while moving towards our future.

Update 1pm: Ceremonies held to mark 1916 Rising today

A number of commemoration services have been held today to remember those who died in the 1916 Easter Rising.

A military ceremony was held outside the GPO on O'Connell street which was attended by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and President Michael D Higgins, who laid a wreath.

Glasnevin Cemetery also held several commemorations, such as wreath laying ceremonies at the Sigerson Monument and the graves of Edward Hollywood (the man who delivered the first tricolour flag to Ireland from France) and Peadar Kearney (the composer of Ireland’s first national anthem).

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Josepha Madigan, was joined by Sarah Tiffan, Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy, Ambassador Stéphane Crouzat on behalf of the French Embassy in Ireland, as well as members of the Irish Defence Forces and Chairman of Glasnevin Trust, John Green to mak the 102nd anniversary of the Rising.

"This year, as we remember the significant milestones reached in 1918 on the long and difficult journey towards enfranchising men and women equally and the full inclusion of women in political life, it is fitting that we also pay a special tribute to Dora Sigerson," she said.

"She was a gifted sculptor and a major figure of the Irish Literary Revival who designed this beautiful memorial to honour those who gave their lives in the pursuit of self-determination and nationhood."

8am: A commemoration service will be held today to remember those who died in the 1916 Easter Rising.

President Michael D Higgins and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar will attend the commemoration outside the GPO in Dublin this afternoon.

The ceremony will begin at noon and will involve a reading of the Proclamation, prayers of remembrance, and the laying of a wreath by the President.

Dublin Lord Mayor Micheal MacDonncha says it's always important to remember those who died during the Rising.

"It set the course for an independent Ireland," he said.

"It also set out the principles of the Proclamation for a Republic based on equality, equal rights and equal opportunities, a sovereign state.

"I think it's very important we recommit ourselves to those ideals every year and also that we honour those who sacrificed so much for the freedom of our country," he said.

- Digital Desk

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