Leaders of the Easter Rising remembered on the 100th anniversary of their deaths

It has been 100 years today since the first leaders of the Easter Rising were executed.

Commemoration ceremonies will be taking place at Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin all week to remember the rebels.

Sean Defoe reports, "as dawn broke over Kilmainham Gaol on the 3rd of May 1916 - three rebel leaders were taken from their cells to Stonebreakers Yard, where they were shot dead.

"Padraig Pearse, Thomas Clarke and Thomas MacDonagh were executed for their role in organising the Easter Rising.

"Over the next 9 days 13 others were executed here in Kilmainham.

"At this morning's ceremony Capuchin Friar brother Adrian read from the memoirs of those who last visited the rebel leaders.

"Wreaths were laid in honour of the three men.

"Patrick Pearse - a great grand nephew of executed Padraig was emotional as he described the impact of his relative's life.

"Ceremonies will continue through the week, remembering those who were executed for their part in the rebellion of 1916."

Padraig Pearse's Grand Nephew, Padraig Pearse pauses to look at a plaque baring his name during a ceremony to commemorate Padraig Pearse, Thomas Clarke and Thomas MacDonagh. Credit: Niall Carson/PA Wire