Blackrock's Zoe Hendrick has been crowned Miss Cork in what was described as a surreal event by the competition's organisers.

For the first time in its history, the beauty pageant was streamed online to audiences that included proud friends and family members. 

Contestants strutted their stuff from the Keary's MINI showrooms in Little Island in the hope of being crowned winner. However, there could only be one Miss Cork. A judging panel that included the co-owner of Solo Hair Design, Eimear Byrne, chef Rachid Zaoia and Hi Magazine's Michael Mulcahy was tasked with the difficult job of selecting a winner.

MC Colm O'Sullivan from RED FM announced the winner alongside runners up Sarah Shoemaker (second place) and Kaia Purcell who came in third.

The night saw Cobh's Sorcha Mckeown return her crown after 19 months-making her the longest-reigning Miss Cork in the competition's history. Zoe secured a year-long contract with Pulse Model Agency, among other prizes.

"I didn't expect it. When I was 18 I entered the contest. However, nerves got the best of me and I pulled out before the competition had even started. I'm glad I waited those few years now as I'm older and more prepared to deal with what comes with the title."

Zoe who works as a digital marketing analyst for First Choice Purchasing described the moment they called out her name.

"When they called out the winner I still didn't realise it was me. They had called out my name but it was like I forgot who I was for a moment. I was so glad knowing that my family was watching and that they were proud. I still haven't taken the crown off, it's an amazing feeling."

Much of the heats leading up to the contest took place online.

"It was strange not to have any social events. Everything was largely based on what you could do online. People around must have been wondering what I was up as I'd often be videoing myself speaking while just walking down the street."

Zoe is looking forward to using her platform to support charities.

"The one charity I'll be fighting for is the Alzheimers Society as I lost my great-grandmother and my grandmother to the disease. It's a slow process. It's years of watching someone lose themselves which is extremely hard for families."

David Kelleher from Pulse Models, who organised the event, added that this was a year like no other.

"It was extremely surreal and considerably different," he said. "Our main priority was to make sure everyone was safe. It very nearly didn't happen but we are so glad to have got this over the