Why Mandela felt a profound Irish bond

South African revolutionary had an abiding love for this country

- BY LARISSA NOLAN

TODAY is Mandela Day, the annual date to honour the legacy of the South African anti-apartheid revolutionary.

Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in prison for his activism against the racist regime before going on to become the country's first black president.

The civil rights leader, who died in 2013 aged 95, stands alongside Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King as the most inspirational leaders against injustice in history.

He also loved Ireland and had a special affinity with the Irish, relating our own historical struggle with black South Africans. He once called us “the original freedom fighters”.

Recognised by the UN since 2010, the theme for Mandela Day this year is: “It's In Your Hands” - a reference to his famous quote: “It is in your hands to create a better world for all who live in it.”

The aim of Mandela Day, held on his birthday, is to promote community service, in the spirit of the Nobel Peace Prize winner's principles.

We look at his strong and deep links to Ireland, and how his long walk to freedom inspired our own path to peace.