On Tuesday October 14, Phil Coulter made a most welcome return the City of Boston where, in the beautiful setting of St. Ignatius Church on the grounds of Boston College, he played his only Boston show to an enthusiastic audience.

The venue was one of particular significance to Mr. Coulter as he had previously spent three years working as a Visiting Professor in the Irish Studies program.

IPC Executive Director, Megan E. Carroll, addressed those in attendance and outlined why their support continues to be so important to the programs at the Irish Pastoral Centre and thanked them for their continued support. Consul General, Breandán Ó Caollaí, spoke about the difficult economic circumstances in Ireland at the moment and how organizations like the IPC makes a difference to those living in the Greater Boston area, after which, Megan introduced Phil Coulter to the stage.

The crowd was delighted and entertained with almost two hours of hits from Mr. Coulter’s 50 years in music. Phil’s collection of songs included ‘The Town I Loved So Well’, ‘Ireland’s Call’ & ‘Bright Brand New Day’.Notably Phil paid tribute to the late Seamus Heaney during which he recited the poem, ‘Mid-Term Break’.

After a short intermission, Mr. Coulter returned to the stage and was joined by his loving wife, Geraldine Brannigan who performed a touching rendition of ‘Scorn Not His Simplicity’. Phil rounded off the evening with the classic ‘Steal Away’, where he encouraged those present to sing along. After a rapturous round of applause and standing ovation, Mr. Coulter took time to sign autographs and posed for some pictures much to the delight of those present.