The centenary commemoration of the funeral of Jeremiah O'Donovan Rossa has taken place at Glasnevin Cemetery in Dublin

The ceremony was attended by the President Michael D Higgins and Taoiseach Enda Kenny, as well as relatives of those who fought in the Easter Rising.

(Lensmen Photographic Agency)

Jeremiah O'Donovan Rossa, who died in June 1915, was a member of the Irish Republican Brotherhood.

Pádraig Pearse gave his graveside oration, which was considered pivotal in the lead up to the 1916 Rising. The speech was re-enacted by actor Jim Roche at today's ceremony.

A volley of shots were also fired at this morning's commemoration, which got underway at 10.40am.

This morning's event was the first in the State's official 1916 commemoration programme.

1,500 tickets were made available to the public, while another 5,000 people were estimated to have gathered outside the cemetery to watch the proceedings on big screens.

Actor Jim Roche recited Padraic Pearse's famous oration, at O'Donovan Rossa's graveside:

These people told our reporter Caoimhseach Connolly why they attended:

Image: Caoimhseach Connolly

Arts and Heritage Minister Heather Humphreys says today's event is the beginning of a significant programme of events:

Meanwhile Sinn Féin is organising a full scale re-enactment of the funeral this afternoon.

“At midday, the Cabra Historical group will provide a Guard of Honour for the lying in state of the O'Donovan Rossa casket in the Rotunda of Dublin City Hall," Bartle D'Arcy, Sinn Féin 1916 Co-ordinator said. "Críona Ní Dhálaigh as Dublin Lord Mayor will arrive at 1pm for the historical re-enactment of Fr O'Flangan's Oration over the casket where O'Donovan Rossa lay in state exactly 100 years ago."

An historical cortege will leave Dublin City Hall at 2pm and proceed to Glasnevin Cemetery for 3pm, with the party encouraging the public to watch the parade in period dress. You can find more information here.