Thousands of people have gathered in central Dublin to mark the 98th Anniversary of the Easter Rising.

President Michael D Higgins led today's commemoration, laying a wreath outside the GPO.

The Taoiseach Enda Kenny also attended the ceremony - during which Captain Sean Coffey of the Defence Forces read the Proclamation of the Irish Republic.

The ceremony concluded with a fly-past from the Air Corps as the National Anthem was played.

Captain Donal Gallagher is spokesperson for the Defence Forces.