Centenary of the Easter Rising Enda Kenny laid wreaths at the Stone Breakers' Yard in Kilmainham Gaol, scene of the 1916 executions. Before this occurred, the Flag of Ireland was lowered to half mast in front of Defence Forces personnel and relatives of the dead. Afterwards, there was a minute's silence, the "Piper’s Lament" and the "Last Post" were played, then Army captain Glen Harmon held aloft a shining sword to serve as an introduction to the national anthem. Tánaiste Joan Burton, defence minister Simon Coveney, justice minister Frances Fitzgerald, Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin and Martin McGuinness were also present. That evening, RTÉ broadcast
Centenary of the Easter Rising Easter Rising centenary parade occurred in Dublin city on Easter Day, 27 March. It was shown live on RTÉ and attended by such dignitaries as President Michael D. Higgins, First Lady Sabina Coyne, Acting Taoiseach Enda Kenny, his wife, the Garda Commissioner Nóirín O'Sullivan, Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl, former Presidents Mary Robinson and Mary McAleese, former Taoisigh Bertie Ahern (accompanied by his brother Noel Ahern), Brian Cowen and Liam Cosgrave, Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin and Martin McGuinness (representing the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister). On Easter Monday (28 March), President Higgins and Acting Taoiseach