Ireland’s ninth President, Michael D Higgins, was sworn in as Head of State today and urged citizens at home and abroad to have hope and courage in rebuilding the Republic.

It is just three months shy of the 190th anniversary of the visit of George IV, who was the first British monarch to come to this country without an accompanying army. Queen Elizabeth II will arrive today, accompanied by an army of media.

Former Defence Forces Chief of Staff Dermot Earley was a mighty Irish legend who was loved and revered around the country, his funeral Mass heard today.

The Taoiseach, members of the cabinet and representatives of the diplomatic core gathered at the US embassy for a special September 11 commemoration.