Rising to D occasion a final time..

PRESIDENT Michael D Higgins laid a wreath during the annual commemoration of the 1916 Easter Rising yesterday.

- BY CILLIAN SHERLOCK

It marks the last time he will lead the event as the sitting president. President Higgins led commemorations to those who died in the Rising, for the 109th anniversary of the armed rebellion against British rule.

Proceedings began before midday yesterday as a large crowd gathered on O'Connell Street in the capital.

The tricolour above the General Post Office 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.