President leads tributes to country’s war dead

Tributes to Ireland’s war dead were led by President Michael D Higgins at a solemn ceremony of remembrance.

The National Day of Commemoration was marked across the country in honour of those who died in past wars and service with the United Nations peacekeeping missions.

The focal point of the tributes was a special ceremony at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, in Dublin, which was attended by Taoiseach Enda Kenny and most of the Cabinet, including newly appointed Tánaiste Joan Burton.

The multi-faith and military ceremony had a special significance this year as it marks the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War.

President Higgins laid a wreath in memory of those who died and The Last Post was played and a single cannon shot fired.

President Higgins focused on the anniversary of the Great War, it which an estimated 50,000 Irish soldiers died, saying: “It is fitting that we remember here today all those Irish men and women who died in past wars or in service with the UN. This year in particular we remember all those who died in the Great War.”

Representatives of the Islamic, Christian and Jewish faiths gave readings. A fly-past by the Air Corps took place and the national anthem was played.

Mr Kenny paid a personal tribute to the 47 Irish soldiers who have died during UN peacekeeping missions in Lebanon when he placed a wreath at a memorial during a brief visit to the Middle East last month.

Commemorations also took place in Cork, Galway, Kilkenny, Limerick, Sligo and Waterford.