Three Irishwomen have been named in Queen Elizabeth's Birthday Honours List.
Ms Ann Meade, Ms Aileen Kerr and Ms Agnes Byrne were each awarded an MBE.
Commenting on the awards today, His Excellency, Stewart Eldon, British Ambassador, said: "These awards are richly deserved in recognition of their exceptional contributions in a variety of areas".
Ms Meade, administrator of Victim Support Ireland expressed surprise at the award. "I had no idea this was coming ... I see it as a tribute to the Tourist Victim Support Service, which is celebrating its 10th year of operation and is recognised internationally as a model of best practice in providing a service to tourists who become victims of crime whilst visiting Ireland".
Commenting on her award for services to war pensioners and ex-service men and women in Ireland, Ms Kerr said: "I was astonished that I was even considered for this award. I get great satisfaction from this work and find it very rewarding to be able to help in this way".
Ms Byrne, who has worked at the British Embassy since 1975 and raised funds for a number of charities, also expressed surprise. "I am absolutely delighted and privileged to accept this award," she said.