By Michelle Crean

The idea was simple - to share the music of legendary women with others - and that's what local singer Grace Foley did at the weekend.

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NIGHT OF MUSIC: Local singer Grace Foley pictured during the 'Women of Note' in the INEC Arena on Sunday night.

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The energy in the room was electric in the Gleneagle INEC Club as the stories of legendary singers were brought to life on Sunday night.

"This show allows the listener to enjoy beautiful music, but to also learn a little about the lives of the women behind the songs," Grace explained.

"Famous women are just like the rest of us. They love. They hurt. They laugh. They make mistakes. They just do it under the constant scrutiny of the media and of the public. Every audience member I met said they absolutely loved the show and would come again. They felt very emotional during parts of the show and were bopping in their seats at other times! Some said that the songs really hit them right in the heart when they learned the reality of the women who sang them.

She added that she was honoured to be joined on stage by an incredible team including Noel O’Sullivan on piano, Padraig Creedon on violin and narrator Laura Reidy.

"I have spent many an evening sitting in front of my phone performing live on Facebook, and I dreamt of being back on that stage. The lighting and sound set up at the INEC Club, thanks to Kieran and Denis, was out of this world. I stood on the stage and watched my idea come to life and it felt amazing. To see people enjoy the performing arts again is so special. This show could not have happened without the funding of the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media’s Local Live Performance Programming Scheme with support from Kerry County Council. Though we live in a world that seems filled with sadness and struggles, an escape into music can be very soothing for the soul. I look forward to touring this very special show."