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PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION O
BY SGT WAYNE FITZGERALD PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF: MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY, ARMN PADDY REILLY (105 SQN) & ARMN NEVILLE COUGHLAN
n 11 November 2011, Michael D Higgins became the ninth President of Ireland following a ceremony in Dublin Castle. Almost 300 members of the Defence
Forces took part in the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony. The Defence Forces involvement will included a Motorcy-
cle Escort of Honour, a Guard of Honour, a 21 Gun Salute, an Air Corp Fly Past and the Combined Bands of the Defence Forces. The Guard of Honour was drawn from the 5 Inf Bn, McKee Bks, the 21 Gun Salute was drawn from the 4 Fd Arty Reg, Columb Bks Mullingar and the Escort of Honour was drawn from the 2 Cav Sqn from Cathal Brugha Bks.
The president-elect made the following declaration: In the presence of Almighty God, I, Michael D. Higgins,
do solemnly and sincerely promise and declare that I will maintain the Constitution of Ireland and uphold its laws, that I will fulfil my duties faithfully and conscientiously in accordance with the Constitution and the law, and that I will dedicate my abilities to the service and welfare of the people of Ireland. May God direct and sustain me. Article 13.4 of the 1937 Constitution of Ireland provides
that "The supreme command of the Defence Forces is hereby vested in the President."
Capt Emmett Harney (5 Inf Bn) invites the President to inspect the Guard of Honour
The GOHs Snr NCO Coy Sgt Ciaran Scully (5 Inf Bn) is ready for inspection
The President is flanked by his aide-de-camp Col Michael McMahon and Capt Emmett Harney
An Cosantóir December 2011
