Athlone woman's charity work is hailed by Croatian Government

Athlone woman Kate Murphy Flynn was honoured by the Croatian Ambassador Veselko Grubisic last month when he presented her with the Ivan Mestrovic silver coin for her dedication to underprivileged Croats in Bosnia Herzegovina, left homeless after the Balkan war. Ms Murphy Flynn, a retired solicitor, has worked tirelessly for Kildare-based charity Rebuild for Bosnia, and has organised many functions and events locally to raise funds for the charity. A native of Kildare town, Ms Murphy Flynn was presented with the award at a Viennese charity concert in Moore Abbey, Monasterevin, last month. Speaking to the Westmeath Independent this week, she said: "It was such a surprise. I had no idea it was coming. It was a huge privilege. I am still absorbing the fact that I was honoured in this way. It was very emotional to think I would be honoured in that way. I'm finding it hard to put into words. I was totally overwhelmed and emotional. It was a huge honour and so much appreciated." Ms Murphy Flynn was quick to point out that she was not alone in her efforts on behalf of the charity. "The award should go to everyone who has helped me in Athlone to raise money to go to these families. Everyone has worked so hard, particularly now when the economy is the way it is, but they're still great, they still give what they can." The commemorative silver coin dedicated to the world renowned Croatian sculptor Ivan Mestrovic, was presented on behalf of the Croatian government in acknowledgment of the humanitarian efforts made by Ms Murphy Flynn in alleviating the suffering of the Croat people of Bosnia Herzegovina. Ms Murphy Flynn joins such luminaries as Bertie Ahern amongst the recipients of the coin. Speaking at the presentation in Moore Abbey, his Excellency, Veselko Grubisic said: "Ms Murphy Flynn had been nominated for the award because of her outstanding dedication to alleviating the suffering of the ethnic Croat population of Bosnia Herzegovina." Charity director Patricia Keane said: "I am thrilled for Kate. She very richly deserves it as she has contributed enormously to the work of the charity in making life better for those who lost every possession they owned fifteen years ago." "She never fails to answer the call and is a deeply dedicated and committed member of Rebuild for Bosnia and we are very privileged to have her support," she added. Ironically, the sculptor, Ivan Mestrovic, was one of the few artists invited by the Free State of Ireland to submit designs for our very first coins. Ivan Mestrovic's recommendation came from William Butler Yeats.