Descendants of those that participated in the 1916 Rising gathered in Dublin today to pay their respects.
The event, organised by the 1916 Relatives Association, was held in the Garden of Remembrance.
Former Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, delivered the main speech, saying the Rising was a pivotal moment in Irish history.
Mr Ahern said he recalled 2006 when he reinstated the traditional Easter parade to mark the 90th anniversary, saying even then, it sparked controversy.
He said that no political party could claim ownership of the Rising and that it was something to remember collectively.
"Since 1916, Ireland has progressed significantly, allowing us to view history holistically rather than through a narrow or partisan lens."
The Proclamation of the Republic was read out by John Colbert, grandnephew of Con Colbert, one of those executed in the days following Easter 1916.
Invoking the spirit of the Proclamation of the Irish Republic, Bertie Ahern said: "I believe Irish citizenship entails both rights and responsibilities that cannot be delegated or ignored. As citizens of this Republic, we must embrace tolerance, respect for diverse perspectives, civic duty, and openness to newcomers making Ireland their home, in accordance with a fair immigration policy."
18-year-old singer, Ruby O'Kelly from Co Cavan sang The Foggy Dew and Grace, after which wreaths were laid by, among others, Deputy Lord Mayor of Dublin Cllr Nial Ring on behalf of the citizens of Dublin; Louis O'Hanlon and Emer Morgan (1st and 2nd generation 1916 relatives) on behalf of the Relatives Association; and Michael Kinahan, President of ONE on behalf of veterans of Óghlaigh na hÉireann, the Irish Defence Forces, successors of the Irish Volunteers.
Pipe major Anthony Byrne from the Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA) Pipe Band played the Final Lament, before Amhrán na bhFiann was played and the tricolour was raised.
The official State commemoration of the 1916 Rising will take place in Dublin tomorrow.
Tomorrow's ceremony, which will begin at midday, will be led by the President and the Taoiseach. It will be streamed live on the RTÉ News app and on the RTÉ News Channel.
