A Cork woman who received the Russian Order of Friendship on Tuesday says it was an unreal experience when she ended up sitting beside Russian President Vladimir Putin during the banquet.

Fiona Corcoran is the first Irish person to ever be awarded the prestigious honour.

She was one of six people to be honoured at the ceremony on Tuesday for her work with the Greater Chernobyl Cause.

She founded the charity to help those affected by the nuclear disaster.

Ms Corcoran says she was surprised to have a one to one conversation with Mr Putin.