Higgins lays wreath at Easter Rising commemoration

President Michael D Higgins has laid a wreath during the annual commemoration of the 1916 Easter Rising in Dublin.

It marks the last time Mr Higgins will lead the event as the sitting president.

Proceedings began before midday as a large crowd gathered on Dublin’s main thoroughfare, O’Connell Street, as the parade began to form from 11am.

The national tricolour flag above the General Post Office (GPO) was lowered to half-mast at noon for the ceremony before a prayer service, the laying of the wreath by Mr Higgins and a minute’s silence.

Defence Forces’ personnel, including a brass band, a pipe band and representatives of the Army, the Air Corps and the Naval Service participated in the ceremony.

The proceedings ended with a return of the flag to full-mast, the national anthem and a flypast conducted by the Air Corps.

The event was also attended by Taoiseach Micheal Martin, Tanaiste Simon Harris and outgoing Defence Forces Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Sean Clancy.

First Minister of Northern Ireland and Sinn Fein vice president Michelle O’Neill, former Irish president Mary Robinson, the Lord Mayor of Dublin Emma Blain and some members of Cabinet were also among attendees.