Comber man Richard Parkes, the most successful pipe major in the history of pipe banding, has announced his retirement from the Field Marshal Montgomery band after a glittering career spanning more than four decades.
Parkes became the world’s most successful pipe major in 2022 when he led his band to their 13th World championship in Glasgow, surpassing the 12 titles won by Ian McLellan with Strathclyde Police Pipe Band.
In his 43 years in charge, 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.
“I’ll never tire of hearing the Field Marshal Montgomery name called out, because the unbelievable thrill of winning the Worlds never diminishes with the years,” Parkes told the Irish News when they won it for a 10th time in 2014.
Remarkably, the band has also been runner-up in the Worlds on 12 occasions, including both this year and in 2023.
Parkes - who assumed the role at FMM in 1981 when still in his 20s and guided them into the elite grade one by 1986 - will be succeeded by Matt Wilson, who has held the pipe-sergeant role for the last seven years and has been a member of FMM since 2003.
Wilson is the director of the piping & drumming programme at Dollar Academy in Scotland, and has led the school’s juvenile band into competition for many years.
Parkes, who was awarded an MBE in 2004 for services to pipe bands, said: “It’s been a huge honour and a privilege to lead Field Marshal Montgomery for so many years.
“It has taken me around the world and been the conduit for some of the most meaningful experiences and friendships of my life.
“I will miss it beyond words, but I am also grateful for what lies ahead. I look forward to seeing the band flourish under the leadership of Matt Wilson and the band’s leading drummer Gareth McLees.”
He added: “The band is strong, but preparing to compete at the highest level each season gets more and more demanding, so now is the right time for me to step back.
“I have recently retired from full-time work and I am fortunate to have my health and a wonderful family, so now is the time for the next chapter of my life.”
Matt Wilson said: “Richard leaves a legacy as a pipe-major that we will not see the likes of again in our lifetime.
“It has been the highlight of my piping career being his pipe-sergeant and learning from the best. We are lucky to have been a part of his success; we will miss him terribly, and thank him for a historic 43 years at the helm of FMM.”