Mayor shows appreciation to pipe band

Montgomery Pipe Band has been presented with a plaque from Lisburn City Council to mark it becoming the World’s Best Pipe Band.

The Mayor, Councillor Margaret Tolerton, was delighted to meet with members of the pipe band when they were recently practising in Lisburn.

She presented Pipe Major Richard Parkes, MBE, with a plaque to represent the appreciation of the Council and the City of Lisburn after being crowned World Champions at this year’s World Pipe Band Championships held in Glasgow.

Speaking about their success the Mayor said: “I was really excited to learn that the Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band from Lisburn won the Grade One World Pipe Band Championship for an amazing three years in a row. This magnificent achievement is great for the band and great for Lisburn and I would like to congratulate everyone on their success.

“The Drum Corps from the Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band also won first prize. This was the first time in the bands 60+ year history.”

Mrs Tolerton continued: “The band has had unprecedented success this year winning its 23rd Ulster Pipe Band Championship, their 14th Scottish Pipe Band Championship, and their fifth British Championship. The band also had wins at the Craigavon and District Pipe Band Championships, won the European Pipe Band Championships and retained the title of All-Ireland Champions. It is encouraging to see that despite the success of the band and their membership coming form far and wide that they are still coming together and practising here in Lisburn. The music they produce is certainly world-class and with the team spirit that infuses through the entire band I am not surprised they have achieved so much.”

“I look forward to hearing about the future success the band will undoubtedly accomplish and I was delighted to be able to meet with them and congratulate them on behalf of the people of Lisburn.”