Honorary degree for Killyleagh pipe major

Honorary degree for Killyleagh pipe major

17 July 2019

THE Pipe Major of one of the world’s leading and most successful pipe bands has been presented with an honorary degree by Ulster University.

Richard Parkes, who lives in Comber but is formerly from Killyleagh, has received an honorary Doctor of Letters (DLitt) degree for his services to pipe band music nationally and internationally with the Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band.

Under Richard’s leadership and 45 years after its inception, the band won its first major title at the Cowal Championships Scotland in 1990. 

Never looking back, the band has gone on to win every major championship title available including 12 World Pipe Band Championships, three ‘Grand Slams’, 14 Champions of Champions titles, 25 All Ireland Championships and 60 RSPBA major championship titles.  In total Field Marshal Montgomery has more major championships than any other pipe band in history. 

Leading tirelessly from his appointment in 1981 Richard, an engineer by trade, was awarded an MBE in 2004 for his services to pipe band music in Northern Ireland. 

His commitment is such that even after suffering a stroke in the same year, he returned within the season to lead the band to victory at their last three championships, including the band’s fourth World Championship title. 

The great respect for Richard from within his own band and from his competitors is as much a part of the band’s hallmark as is its list of prizes.