On Saturday, September 24, the Ottawa Branch of The Pipers’ and Pipe Band Society of Ontario held the Glengarry Cup. This event marked the first in person event for the association since February 2020 and drew a crowd of almost 100, filling the room at the Army Officers’ Mess, in Ottawa. The event was held this weekend as it coincides with the National Police and Peacekeepers Memorial events on Parliament Hill, which brings in police pipe bands from outside the area.
Karine Mayers, Ottawa Branch president shared that “it was so wonderful to see the community gathered once again and welcome these performers from across the province.”
The Glengarry Cup has been awarded since the 1980s when it was donated by the Glengarry Pipe Band. Past winners include Bruce Gandy, Colin MacLellan, Michael Grey, Andrew Hayes, Rob Crabtree, Andrea Boyd, Matt MacIsaac and many others.
Twelve competitors played a march, strathspey and reel of their own choice and the judge was Michael Grey, president of the PPBSO.
Ian K. MacDonald (MacLean of Pennycross, Maggie Cameron, John Morrison of Assynt House)
Andrea Boyd (John MacDonald’s Welcome to South Uist, Lady Louden, Fiona MacLeod)
Daniel Carr (The Lochaber Gathering, The Shepherd’s Crook, Charlie’s Welcome)
Jacob Dicker (Jeannie Carruthers, The Caledonian Society of London, The Little Cascade)
Tyler Bridge (Tyrone Heade, The Top of Craig Venow, Cronan’s reel)
Aidan Bowen (Morag Ramsay, The Islay Ball, Mrs MacPherson of Inveran)
Also competing but not placing were: Amy Garson, Tyler Harris, Kate Kimove, Liam Melville, MacGregor van de Ven, Dylan Whittemore.
Following a short recital of tunes from Michael Grey an impromptu ceilidh followed with about a half dozen competing pipers adding much to the great occasion, thanks, in part to Ian K MacDonald’s bagpipes!
Ian K MacDonald (centre) wins the 2022 Glengarry Cup with PPBSO Ottawa Branch president, Karine Mayers and Michael Grey