‘The Proclamation can still inspire the nation’ – President Michael D Higgins at Easter Rising commemoration

He was joined by Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris for the event, attended also by former President Mary Robinson, Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill, Lord Mayor of Dublin Emma Blain, and hundreds of members of the public.

The Anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising is marked in Dublin

After laying the wreath outside the GPO to commemorate those who died in the Rising, a minute’s silence was observed.

The Proclamation of Independence, which was first read by Pádraig Pearse 109 years ago, was read aloud by Captain Conor Gibbons while the National Flag was at half-mast.

Commenting ahead of the ceremony, President Higgins said the men and women who participated in the 1916 Rising were inspired by the declaration of a Republic, and the dream of a better, fairer future.

“The Proclamation of the Republic, which Patrick Pearse read out from under the portico of the GPO, offers elements of a generous social and political vision that can still inspire us,” he said.

“It called forth a Republic that would guarantee, ‘Religious and civil liberty, equal rights and equal opportunities to all its citizens’ and be resolved ‘to pursue the happiness and prosperity of the whole nation and of all its parts, cherishing all the children of the nation equally.,” he said.

“As we commemorate the Easter Rising, this ideal should continue to inspire us. The message was addressed to a world community that they might achieve not only independence, but its best exercise.

“We are challenged by their message to address the issues of global poverty, the consequences of climate change, the conflict in so many places of the world that threaten the lives of civilians, and the erosion of basic rights.

“I am sure that those who participated would have been proud of all of the Irish families who have offered our men and women to peacekeeping internationally,” he added.

After the National Flag was raised to full mast again the National Anthem was played and the commemoration was ended with a fly-past by members of the Air Corps.

More than 160 members of the Defence Forces took part in the event, including bands who played during the commemoration.

For former Lord Mayor Nial Ring the event was also important for family reasons because he had relatives who fought in the GPO.

“My grandfather Joseph and his four brothers were part of the GPO garrison, so I feel it is important to attend. One of the brothers, Liam O Rinn, later translated the National Anthem into Irish in late 1916,” he said.

“I always attend because it is so important to commemorate what the men and women of the Rising did. There was a great crowd and President Higgins brought gravitas and dignity to the event as always,” he added.

Today’s event was the last Easter Rising GPO commemoration that will be led by Michael D Higgins as President because his term ends later this year.