President lays wreath at graves of 1916 Rising leaders

President Catherine Connolly has laid a wreath at the graves of the executed 1916 Rising leaders as part of the annual commemoration ceremony that took place at Arbour Hill in Dublin.

It was the 102nd State commemoration for the executed leaders of the Rising and others who fought in the armed insurrection in April 1916.

The first ceremony took place after the end of the Civil War in 1923, more than 100 years ago and the first State commemoration took place the following year in 1924.

Arbour Hill is the final resting place of 14 of the executed Easter Rising leaders, including the seven signatories of the Proclamation of the Republic.

President Catherine Connolly, Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Minister for Defence Helen McEntee attended the ceremony, along with family members of the leaders and others who fought in the Rising.

A guard of honour was formed when they arrived, with music provided by the Army band.

Inside the Church of the Most Sacred Heart, a mass was held with interfaith representatives, politicians, dignitaries, and family members in attendance.

Afterwards, President Connolly laid the wreath at the graves, commemorating all those who died, and a minute's silence was held.

The event is held on the first Wednesday on or after 3 May of each year and is the longest-running State ceremony to commemorate the 1916 Rising.