1916 centenary: Enthusiastic crowds refuse to let it rain on their parade

Gale force winds and torrential rain showers couldn’t dampen the spirits in Collins Barracks yesterday as more than 1,000 singers joined forces for the Nation’s Voice.

Thirty-one choirs from 19 counties in Ireland took to the stage in the courtyard of the National Museum to commemorate the centenary of the Easter Rising in front of President Michael D Higgins and acting Taoiseach Enda Kenny.

The President and Mr Kenny entered the barracks in separate motorcades but to very different welcomes. The acting Taoiseach waved to the queuing crowd but few hands rose up in return. When President Higgins came along with his wife Sabina the crowd cheered and waved at their arrival.