PRESIDENT MICHAEL D Higgins laid a wreath at the National 1916 Commemoration at Arbour Hill in Dublin yesterday morning. It was his first time at the annual commemoration since taking office.
Mr Higgins, Taoiseach Enda Kenny, Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore, former taoiseach Liam Cosgrave, and Chief Justice Susan Denham were the chief dignitaries at the event, which culminated in the wreath-laying at the shrine to the leaders executed in the wake of the 1916 Rising.
Most members of the Cabinet were also present including Minister for Finance Michael Noonan; Minister for Justice Alan Shatter; Minister for Children Frances Fitzgerald; Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar; Minister for Communications Pat Rabbitte and Minister for Jobs and Enterprise Richard Bruton.
Ceann Comhairle Seán Barrett, Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin and Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams also attended the ceremonies, as did many TDs and Senators from all parties and from the Independent benches.
Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan and Defence Forces chief of staff Lieut Gen Seán McCann were also present.
Dublin Lord Mayor Andrew Montague also attended.
Mr Higgins and his wife, Sabina, arrived at the Church of the Sacred Heart, Arbour Hill, shortly before 10am and the President then inspected a guard of honour drawn from the 2nd Infantry Battalion at Cathal Brugha Barracks, handed over by Capt David Fitzpatrick from the 5th Infantry Battalion at McKee Barracks.
Following the Mass, the 1916 commemoration ceremonies were conducted on the plinth in the gardens.
There were also multidenominational readings at the altar. A minute’s silence was observed after the wreath-laying.
The Last Post was played by the Army No 1 Band, after which the Tricolour was raised to full mast.
The band then played reveille and the National Anthem.
