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Watch: President Higgins departs Áras an Uachtaráin

President Michael D Higgins has departed Áras an Uachtaráin as his term as President of Ireland comes to an end.

Members of the Sanctuary Runners group lined the avenue outside the Phoenix Park residence as President Higgins left.

They presented President Higgins with two yellow roses representing friendship and joy.

The president is a patron of the group, which brings locals and migrants together through jogging in communities around the country.

Earlier, the portrait of President Higgins was taken down from its central position just inside the main entrance door to Leinster House.

President Higgins stands alongside his portrait
The portrait of Michael D Higgins which hung in Leinster House was moved to Áras an Uachtaráin

The portrait was moved to Áras an Uachtaráin and it is likely that a portrait of the incoming president Catherine Connolly will be put on display in Leinster House at some point in the future.

President Higgins remains in office until midnight tonight.

In the short period leading up to Ms Connolly's inauguration in Dublin Castle, which is set to take place just before lunchtime tomorrow, the presidential duties will fall to a commission.

It is made up of Chief Justice Donal O'Donnell, Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy and Cathaoirleach of the Seanad Mark Daly.


Read more:
Activism and opinions were the hallmarks of Higgins' presidency

Timeline: How the presidential inauguration will unfold