Higgins left official residence on last day of Irish president's term, his successor takes oath today

(Patria) - On Monday evening, in front of the official residence of the President of Ireland, people gathered in good spirits as Michael D. Higgins departed on his last day in office, reported the BBC.

The outgoing Irish president and his wife Sabina were greeted with ovations and presented with yellow roses, which symbolise friendship and joy, as they left Áras an Uachtaráin.

Members of the Sanctuary Runners organisation formed a guard of honour in front of the gates of the residence in Dublin's Phoenix Park as the couple departed.

On Sunday, a group of Bernese Mountain Dog owners gathered outside to bid farewell.
President Higgins owned several Bernese Mountain Dogs during his term, including his current beloved dog, five-year-old Misneach.

Higgins is a patron of the Sanctuary Runners group, which consists of Irish citizens, migrants, asylum seekers and refugees.

One runner, Monica Pumpkin, who is originally from Botswana, presented him and his wife with yellow roses to thank him for his support during his presidency.

In a statement, he said that serving as President of Ireland was a "great privilege".

"I would like to thank the people of Ireland for the warm welcome they have given to Sabina and me over the past fourteen years," he said.

"How valuable it has been to be able to join them in engagement with issues, projects and ideas that will help us achieve the best of our country and the best representation of Ireland and its values abroad - inclusive citizenship and a creative society in a true Republic."

Earlier, a portrait of President Higgins was removed from the central location inside the main entrance doors of Leinster House.

The future president, Catherine Connolly, will be inaugurated today at a ceremony in Dublin Castle.