Mandela praises legacy of Irish homebuilders

HEARTACHE proved a lot more painful than backache for the Irish volunteers who toiled for seven days to ensure 1,500 South Africans’ lives have been changed forever.

However, the aches and pains were eased considerably last night when each builder returned home from a celebration dinner to a personal letter from the man who has come to be known as the father of the nation:, Nelson Mandela.

In the letter, Mr Mandela said the legacy of the volunteers went far beyond housing.