It was certainly a St Patrick's Day with a difference for Florencecourt beauty, Jill Wallace.

Having won a trip to New York as part of her prize when she was named as the 'Face of Ireland', Jill couldn't have planned her city break better. For she was able to enjoy all the spectacular sights, sounds, and smells of New York with a very American St Patrick's Day.

Speaking about her amazing trip, Jill explains: "The St Patrick's parade was madness, it was so busy.

"We could not get down the streets to see the parade on Fifth Avenue as police had blocked it off. However, we slipped past the police barrier when they where letting a car through and watched the parade for over four hours - and even then it was still going on.

"There were at least 10,000 firemen parading too, as well as policemen, universities, bands, dancing classes and other clubs! It was great to see."

Jill also took the chance to meet the stars at Madame Tussaud, introduce herself to the famous Naked Cowboy and see the Billy Eillott show in Broadway. She also took in the Statue of Liberty, Ground Zero and the Empire State Building, before finding time for a little bit of shopping before she came home!