Deep sadness at passing of Kate Murphy-Flynn

There was a deep air of sadness in Athlone last weekend when news became known of the passing of highly-respected former solicitor and charity campaigner, Kate Murphy-Flynn

Ms. Murphy-Flynn, who lived at Hillquarter, Coosan, passed away on Friday night, April 29.

Although a native of Kildare town, she made her home in Athlone for many years and immersed herself in every aspect of life in the Midlands town.

Known for her vivaciousness, style and grace, she had a warm and friendly personality which endeared her to everyone she met, both personally and professionally.

The late Ms. Murphy-Flynn practiced as a solicitor for a number of years in Athlone in Tormeys Solicitors where she worked alongside her husband, the late Barra Flynn, who passed away in 2004.

Clients remembered her for her compassion, empathy and ‘can do’ approach to her work, and she brought these skills into every aspect of her life, including her charity work which saw her work tirelessly for many years as a fundraiser for a Kildare-based charity, Rebuild for Bosnia.

Her charity work was recognised in 2010 when the Croatian Ambassador, Veselko Grubisic, presented her with the Ivan Mestrovic silver coin for her dedication to underprivileged Croats in Bosnia Herzegovina, left homeless after the Balkan war. She described the award as “a great honour and a huge privilege” and described being “total overwhelmed and emotional” at being recognised for her charity work.

Also in 2010, she was one of eight recipients of a ‘People of the Year’ award in the annual event organised by the Westmeath Independent. In her acceptance speech, she thanked her family, friends, Rehab, the town council and everybody in Athlone and added “this award is for them.”

In 1997, when Ms. Murphy-Flynn was working as a partner in Tormey & Co Solicitors, she established an antiques business in Athlone in partnership with Barra Flynn. The popular business, Athlone Antiques, was located in the old PJ Byrne’s Warehouse on High Street and opened its doors to the public for the first time on June 29.

Many warm tributes have been paid to Kate Murphy-Flynn this week, with colleagues and friends describing her as having “a very kind heart” and being “a true lady.”

She was also described as being “kind, witty, intelligent, a force of nature” and someone whose “generosity knows no bounds.”

Other tributes referred to her as “a truly unique and magnificent lady who left the world a better and brighter place” and as a “vibrant and kind lady with a one of a kind presence who impacted many lives in such a spiritual and positive way that words cannot fully describe.”

A former member of Athlone Rotary Club, she was also remembered as “a true animal lover” who was at her happiest when she was out walking her beloved dogs.

Kate Murphy-Flynn will be sadly missed by her loving daughter, Anna, sister Maureen, relatives and many friends. She was predeceased by her beloved son, Alan, husband, Barra Flynn, and by Alan and Anna’s dad, Gerard Murphy.

She was laid to rest in Coosan Cemetery on Tuesday of this week following Funeral Mass in the Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace in Coosan.