(Updated) Cairns, MacDonald take the firsts at Ottawa police event

Ottawa, Ontario – September, 25, 2004 – Only five pipers played at the annual Memorial Invitational Piping Competition at Ottawa’s City Hall, despite it being one of the best-organized and best-run competitions in North America.

Playing on the day were Andrew Berthoff, Toronto; John Cairns, London, Ontario; Ian K. MacDonald, Whitby, Ontario; James MacHattie, Toronto; and Lionel Tupman, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario. Bill Livingstone, Whitby, Ontario, accepted his invitation, but could not attend.

Among others who were invited but declined were Bruce Gandy, Halifax; Roderick MacLean, Halifax; and John Angus Smith, Glasgow.

Piobaireachd
1st John Cairns, “In Praise of Morag”
2nd Ian K. MacDonald, “Craigellachie”
3rd James MacHattie, “Glengarry’s March”

March, March; Strathspey, Strathspey; & Reel, Reel
1st Ian K. MacDonald, “P-M John Stewart,” “Inveran,” “Lady MacKenzie of Gairloch,” “Maggie Cameron,” “John MacKechnie’s Big Reel,” “Mrs. MacPherson of Inveran”
2nd Lionel Tupman
3rd James MacHattie

Willie Connell judged both events. About 10 listeners turned up for the piobaireachd contest, but the hall was reasonably full for the light music in the evening.

The competition is a fund-raiser as part of Ottawa’s weekend-long memorial events honouring public safety workers killed or injured in the line of duty. A few of the competitors refused their $100 travel stipend, asking instead that the money be given back to the good cause.

p|d

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