LEADING the Irish contingent at the national memorial service for Nelson Mandela was President Michael D Higgins.
He was among a host of Irish dignitaries who attended the commemoration at Johannes-burg's FNB Stadium.
Former president Mary Robinson, pictured, was also at the service along with other members of 'The Elders' group of campaigning global leaders, founded by Mr Mandela.
Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Eamon Gilmore was also at the event, as well as Stor-mont deputy first minister Martin McGuinness.
U2 frontman Bono was also among the guests who gathered to mark Mr Mandela's 95-year life.
He was seated beside South African actress Charlize Theron at the ceremony.
Three Dunnes Stores strikers, who took a stand against apartheid in 1984, also attended.
The memorial is the first of three state events in honour of Mr Mandela, who died on Thursday at his home in Johannesburg.
Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams is due to attend a special memorial service on Saturday in Pretoria.