Thousands gathered in Dublin to mark the 108th anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising. 

People gathered outside the General Post Office (GPO) on O’Connell Street from early this morning in remembrance of the first major battle for Irish independence in the 20th century. 

Although the 1916 rebellion took place from April 24th to April 29th, the anniversary is celebrated at Easter. 

The ceremony began at noon when the tricolour was lowered from above the GPO. 

Army Captain Paul Murphy read a copy of the 1916 Proclamation, which was first read on the steps of the GPO by Padraig Pearse. 

Fine Gael leader Simon Harris on O'Connell Street at the 108th anniversary of the 1916 Rising

Commemorations were led by President Michael D Higgins, outgoing Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, and Tánaiste Micheál Martin. 

In his first event since his illness at the end of last month, President Higgins laid a wreath in front of the portico. 

A minute’s silence was then held for those who died during the Rising. 

The wreath laying was followed by the sounding of the Last Post, and as the flag was raised to full mast the national anthem played. 

Defence Forces Personnel outside the GPO for the 108th anniversary of the 1916 Rising. Image: Leah Farrell / © RollingNews.ie

Also in attendance were Fine Gael leader and incoming Taoiseach Simon Harris, Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald and former Irish President Mary McAleese. 

This was the first time a Nothern Irish First Minister attended the commemorations, with Michelle O’Neill being Northern Ireland’s first nationalist leader. 

Also in attendance were Minister for Housing Darragh O'Brien, Minister of State Pippa Hackett, and Minister of State Martin Heydon. 

Approximately 1,250 people fought among the rebel forces against the 16,000-strong British Army in 1916. 

66 rebels were killed compared to 143 British soldiers, although it is unknown how many rebels were injured. 

16 rebellion leaders were also killed, including Pearse, James Connolly, Thomas MacDonagh and Thomas Clarke.