Higgins leaves official residence on last day as Irish president

Michael D Higgins says serving as Ireland's president was a privilege

Well wishers gathered outside the official residence of the President of Ireland on Monday evening as Michael D Higgins left on his final day in office.

The outgoing Irish president and his wife, Sabina, were greeted by cheers and given yellow roses symbolising friendship and joy as they left Áras an Uachtaráin.

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

On Sunday, a group of Bernese mountain dog owners gathered outside to say their goodbyes.

President Higgins owned a number of Bernese mountain dogs during his tenure, including his beloved current dog, five-year-old Misneach.

He is a patron of the Sanctuary Runners group which is made up of Irish citizens, migrants, asylum seekers and refugees.

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

President Michael D Higgins was gifted a flower as he leaves his official residence with his wife Sabina Higgins

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 warmth of reception which they gave to both Sabina and myself over the past 14 years," he said.

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

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

Incoming president Catherine Connolly will be inaugurated at a ceremony in Dublin Castle on Tuesday.