Tenth world title for Lisburn’s Field Marshal Montgomery

Lisburn based Field Marshal Montgomery has now defended its title in the top division for the fourth year in a row at Glasgow on Saturday.

It is a magnificent achievement for Pipe Major Richard Parkes and his band.

Interviewed live on stage on Saturday, Pipe Major Parkes said: “It is unbelievable for the band.

“The competition is getting closer and closer and the standard of playing by the bands is very high.”

He added: “It is a thrill to win the title.”

Field Marshal took the grade one title five points ahead of Inveraray & District.

Field Marshal also collected the RSPBA’s grade one Champion of Champions title with the drumming prize going to St Laurence O’Toole.

The Mayor of Lisburn, Councillor Andrew Ewing commended the local Pipe Band on its world class performance.

He said: “It is fantastic that for this local band, which was founded almost 70 years ago, has won the crown at the World Pipe Championships for the fourth consecutive time.

“This win now means Field Marshall Montgomery are ten times World Champions which is a tremendous accolade to hold.

“I wish Field Marshall Montgomery every success as they continue to compete in championships across the UK and further afield. Well done once again.”

The other grades did not produce a local champion, however there was plenty of silverware brought back to these shores.

The grade 2 title is on its way to France with Brieg and the drumming prize went to Buchan.

Bleary & District were just two points behind in second place and collected the Champion of Champions title for the grade.

Aughintober and the PSNI qualified for the grade 2 final placing 10th and 11th respectively.