A round of applause greeted them and they were off and running, with a full church at their heels. Anthony told us he was happy to be back in Holbrook, commenting that it reminded him of the first place he and Patrick had a concert: rolling hills, a church and tombstones.

The first set of songs were “The Meeting of the Waters,” “Star of the County Down,” “The Old House,” “Down by the Sally Garden” and “Kitty of Coleraine.” (The crowd loved watching Anthony’s expression as he sang this last song.)

Anthony took a little break after “Kitty” and Patrick told us how much he liked the area, and how he expected to see Nellie Olsen and Half Pint come running to meet him! Patrick entertained us with readings from church bulletin boards, and said he had people in many religions thinking he was ready to convert. He went on, “If I like, I could belong to every religion in the states.” We all enjoyed his remarks! Patrick then sang “And Her Mother Came, Too” to the delight of everyone in that church!

The section prior to the Intermission, Anthony treated us to: “Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears” and “Kitty Me Love.” When he sang “A Father’s Prayer” you felt as if he was praying; he held his hands differently with this prayer. It was very moving and he thanked Patrick for writing it for him. Next they sang a duet about “The Bould Gendarmes;” Anthony said he was sure there were no bad cops in the States, but the French had them! They had the audience in stitches over this one. After “Return to Sorento,” they took a 15-minute break. Anthony told us as he left the stage to take a walk or meet people around us. My friend who had come with me to this concert had never heard Anthony sing and was so amazed at his voice. She said his smile when he knew he had it right was precious.

The stars returned for the next set. Anthony checked his microphone; turned and gave everyone a big smile as he began the second half. The next selections were “With a Song in My Heart,” “La Mattinata,” “Snowy Breasted Pearl,” “I Hear You Calling,” and “To the Children,” a very moving and beautiful song.

Then Patrick took center Alter and told another cute story. Then Patrick sang an unbelievable song “Major General,” from Pirates of Penzance. He received a huge round of applause!

Anthony next sang a perfect tenor aria, “Una Furtiva Lagrima” and moved into “You Are My Heart's Delight” and then “Friendship.” Anthony does such a nice lead in to this song, and the fun the two men have doing it shows the love and admiration they have for each other.

“Danny Boy” was next; by the time it was over, there were people in the crowd crying!

Anthony thanked everyone for coming and said to “continue to take care of this lovely church” and we should all be proud to help in this event. After a standing ovation he sang “Granada” and they received another standing ovation.

We spent months waiting for the concert and it was over now, too soon.

Everyone was invited to the church hall for a meet and greet and many attended. A local man and woman were playing Irish music and cookies, lemonade and coffee were served. It wasn’t long before Vince, Anthony and Patrick arrived and received a warm greeting. I had the pleasure of meeting Vince for the first time and he was so gracious to help me with the names of two songs. He said I put him on the spot, so he had Patrick come and help. They both made sure I had the songs correct. I don’t know what the words mean in the non- English songs but Anthony makes you care about what you are hearing anyway by the way he sings them.

This day may have been gray outside but it was sunny and bright with Anthony and Patrick.

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