LAST UPDATE | Apr 17th 2022, 1:30 PM

PRESIDENT MICHAEL D Higgins and Taoiseach Micheál Martin were among the dignitaries present at an Easter Rising commemoration in Dublin today.

Relatives of former Irish presidents and family members of the 1916 signatories were also in attendance.

At noon, the national flag on top of the GPO was lowered and Private Vincent Murray, of the 27th Infantry Battalion, played a lament outside the GPO.

The 1916 Proclamation was read by Commandant Daire Roache from Ballina, Co Mayo.

President Higgins laid a wreath to commemorate those who died in 1916 and a minute’s silence will be observed. 

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

The planned flyover by the Irish Air Corps was cancelled due to the weather.

Our pipers warming up the crowds here at the GPO…

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WATCH live on @RTE_News Channel @ 1130hrs #EasterSunday #EasterRising pic.twitter.com/z0uKsZgx87

— Óglaigh na hÉireann (@defenceforces) April 17, 2022

This commemoration is the first to be held since the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Viewing areas were arranged at the Clerys side of O’Connell Street and at the north and south ends of the GPO. 

Other Easter Rising commemorations are being held today in various parts of Ireland.

In Belfast, huge crowds are expected to take part in Easter commemorations to mark 106 years since the 1916 Rising.

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald is to address the National Graves Association commemoration in Milltown Cemetery this afternoon.

With reporting by the Press Association. Updated by Gráinne Ní Aodha.

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