Richard Parkes, of Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band, who is the most successful pipe major in the history of piping.
AN EVENING OF CHAMPIONS
On Thursday evening the 31st of January 2019 Parliament Buildings, Stormont will reverberate to the sound of bagpipes as the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association Northern Ireland Branch (RSPBANI) celebrate ÔAn Evening of ChampionsÕ to recognise the tremendous success of its member bands and soloists in 2018. Bands being honoured include the present World Champion Pipe Band, Field Marshall Montgomery and World Champions in their grade McNeillstown Pipe Band from County Antrim and Gransha Pipe Band from County Down. Soloists include World Champion Drum Major Emma Barr, Juvenile World Champion Drummer Samuel Hanna and International Juvenile Solo Tenor Champion Adam Montgomery
RSPBANI Branch President Winston Pinkerton said, ÒThe RSPBANI Branch are extremely proud to host this event to honour our 2018 Champion Bands, Drum Majors and Soloists. The RSPBANI Branch was formed in 1950 and has produced numerous Champions down the years.Ó
RSPBANI Branch Chairman Ray Hall remarked, ÒThe RSPBANI Branch are very proud of our Bands and Soloists record of success in competitions over many years. We do believe that our Education Programme, supported so well by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, has contributed significantly in developing the standards and quality of the performance of all those involved in our pipe band community. We look forward to seeing our performers excel once again in 2019.ÕÕ
Joanne Wright, Traditional Music Arts Development Officer, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, added, ÒThe RSPBANI is at the forefront of the competitive pipe band sector here, co-ordinating many championship contests throughout the region and also delivering high-quality educational programmes. The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is proud to be the principal funder of this terrific organisation and congratulate everyone taking part in this Evening of Champions.Ó
Robin Swann MLA said, ÒIt is a pleasure to host and be associated with this showcase event, it is not just a tribute to the Champions themselves but a thanks to their coaches and families for the time and support that they provide.Ó
BACKGROUND NOTES:
¥ The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association Northern Ireland Branch (RSPBANI) is the governing body which oversee Pipe Band competitions in Northern Ireland
¥ Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band has won a total of 12 World Championships
Photo by Stephen Hamilton
By Annie Stewart
A COMBER man, who is the most successful pipe major in pipe band history, has retired from competitive piping.
Richard Parkes, who led the Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band for 44 years has retired after a glittering career which included winning the World Championships a remarkable 13 times.
His 13th world title was a world record for a pipe major, achieved at Glasgow in 2022, beating the previous record of 12 held by Ian McLellan of the Strathclyde Police Pipe Band.
“To win it 13 times was an unbelievable experience, I didn’t think it would happen,” said Richard. “To win it once was an amazing achievement, but to win it 13 times was unbelievable.
Mr Parkes, who has been piping since he was nine years old, has a glittering solo career as well as his success with the band, with numerous medals and awards to show for his dedication to the craft.
Richard won the top spot at the All Ireland seven times, the Ulster Championships nine times and the Piper of the Year eight times.
In his 44 years in charge of Field Marshall Montgomery, he has also amassed 13 European Championships, 12 British Championships, 17 Scottish Championships, 27 All-Ireland Championships and 25 Ulster Championships, along with a raft of global Champion of Champions crowns.
The champion piper was awarded an MBE in 2004 for services to pipe bands and also holds two honorary degrees from Queen’s University and Ulster University awarded in 2019.
Deciding it was time to go out while he was still on top, Richard announced his retirement in September.
“I was finding it harder every year to maintain the high standard for the top level of piping in grade one,” he said.
“I’d been at the top for a long time and I wanted to get out at the top. We were second in the World Championships this year and won the European Championships and I just thought it was a good time for me to step away.
“It’s been my privilege to lead the band for this amount of time,” he added. “I’ve had a lot of help from a lot of people over the years to help the band get to the top.”
Piping had lost some momentum during Covid, however Richard believes the future of piping is bright.
“It’s certainly becoming more popular in Scotland. Since Covid we lost a bit of momentum but I think it’s gathering back up again now,” he said.
“There’s always been a close link between Northern Ireland and Scotland and pipe bands have been very strong in Northern Ireland over the years and hopefully that will continue,” said Richard.
This website uses cookies. Using this website means you are okay with this. You can find out more and learn how to manage cookies by clicking the 'More Info' link.
