President Higgins to represent Ireland at State memorial service for Mandela

President Michael D Higgins will represent Ireland at the State memorial service for Nelson Mandela.

The event is taking place at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, which hosted the 2010 World Cup final, next Tuesday.

A full state funeral will be held on Sunday December 15, when Madiba will be laid to rest at his ancestral home of Qunu.

The South African Ambassador to Ireland - Mr. Azwindini Jeremiah Dingaan Ndou said Mr Mandela was loved around the world.