Freedom of City call for band

The Field Marshal Montgomery pipe band made it three-in-a-row as they defended their grade one world championship title in Glasgow last weekend and collected the champion drum corps prize.

Ulster Unionist leader Mike Nesbitt called for the Ulster-based three-time world champion pipe band to be given “proper recognition”.

Mr Nesbitt said that this achievement calls for “proper recognition”.

“I think it would be appropriate for Lisburn Council to grant the band the Freedom of the City,” he said.

He also called for Pipe Major Richard Parkes MBE to be knighted.

Alderman Allan Ewart congratulated the pipe band. He said: “This is just reward for the many hours the members put in practicing on a weekly basis.

“It was fitting that at the July Council Meeting I proposed that Lisburn City Council host a Civic Reception in their honour. This is the band’s third World Championship in a row and nine in total. After the result (this week) this honour is more appropriate. I have spoken to the Officers of Council who have been in touch with the band and I trust this can be arranged very soon,” he said.

Speaking after the prizes were announced, pipe major Richard Parkes said: “Things went very well for us (today). I am so pleased the band has won the drumming today and the overall title – it is unbelievable.”

The Mayor of Lisburn City Council, Councillor Margaret Tolerton, expressed her delight at the band’s success. “This very successful pipe band has done itself and Northern Ireland proud with its recent win of the Grade One World Pipe Band Championship in Dumbarton, Scotland for a staggering three years in a row,” said Mrs Tolerton.

Councillor Ronnie Crawford former President of the Northern Ireland Branch of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association said: “Whilst all the members of the band have played their part, they have a Pipe Major in Richard Parks who is simply without parallel at the top of the World stage. I would support Mike Nesbitt’s call for Mr. Parkes to be properly recognised for the distinction he and his band have brought home by the award of a knighthood. His phenomenal achievements with this band demand nothing less.”