He laid a laurel wreath at the cenotaph in memory "of those lost a the Battle of the Somme, on behalf of the government of Ireland".

BBC: Wreaths in Belfast

The reverse side is inscribed with "On behalf of a grateful nation, " with a space for the recipient's name to be inscribed, framed by a laurel wreath representing "honor and high achievement, " the department said.

CNN: Terror victims to receive military, civilian awards