The former South African President Nelson Mandela has died at the age of 95.
He passed away peacefully at his home in Johannesburg last night at around ten to nine local time, surrounded by family.
The anti Apartheid leader's health has been suffering in recent months - after he contracted a lung infection in June.
In an address to the world's media last night, the South African President, Jacob Zuma broke the news.
In a statement last night President Michael D Higgins said Nelson Mandela "never lost belief or gave up fighting for the equal rights of all South African citizens".
He said the late leader would be remembered "for all time as one of the greatest and most heroic leaders the world has ever known".
The Taoiseach Enda Kenny said Nelson Mandela had now finished his long walk, and that a great light had been extinguished.
He said Mandela's journey had transformed not just South Africa, but humanity itself.
Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore said -everyone- felt "part of his extended worldwide family, sharing in the sadness at his death and the celebration of his life."
And former president Mary Robinson paid tribute by saying: "May he rest in peace, and may his sprit continue to inspire millions throughout the world."
