Eithne Vallely, Armagh: 'Gifted' music teacher who died in road accident 'gave generously of herself to others'

Funeral details have now been released for Eithne Vallely, who died after being hit by a truck in Armagh.

The 81-year-old was killed while walking in the Portadown Road area on Friday morning.

A family notice said she was the beloved wife of Brian and loving mother of Niall, Cillian, Caoimhín, Lorcan and Máire.

Armagh SDLP Councillor Thomas O'Hanlon paid a full tribute to her exceptional service to her community.

"This is simply devastating news, and my thoughts and prayers are with [her husband] Brian, the entire Vallely family and all those who loved Eithne at this incredibly difficult time," he said.

"Eithne came from Donegal, but she made Armagh her home, and what an extraordinary contribution she made to the cultural and musical life of our city, this island and far beyond over many decades. "

Together with her husband, she founded the Armagh Pipers Club, helping to place music and traditional Irish culture firmly at the heart of Armagh, he said.

"Through the Club, Eithne taught, encouraged and inspired generations of children and young musicians. Many of the students she once taught are now the teachers of today, passing that same tradition on to another generation.

"In recent years, through my own involvement with the Pipers Club, I had the privilege of seeing Eithne’s work at close quarters. I witnessed the patience, care and encouragement she gave to young people. She was a gifted teacher, an experienced administrator and Director of Music, but above all she was someone who gave so generously of herself to others.”

The councillor said that Eithne was first and foremost a wife and mother to her own family, but that “she also had a much wider family in “the thousands” of people who learned to sing, to play and to love traditional music because of her influence.

He added: “There is no doubt that Eithne leaves an enormous gap in the Vallely family, but also across the cultural community of Armagh, throughout Ireland and much further afield."

Detective Inspector Stewart, from the PSNI’s collision investigation unit, said officers attended the collision, alongside colleagues from other emergency services.

“Medical treatment was provided to the pedestrian, however she was pronounced deceased at the scene,” they said.

Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact police using the witness appeal form at reporting.psni.police.uk/appeals quoting reference 247 21/08/26 or call 101.

Sinn Fein MP for Newry and Armagh Daire Hughes praised Ms Vallely’s impact on traditional Irish music.

He said: “I am deeply saddened at the news Eithne Vallely has passed away.

“Eithne was a giant of Irish cultural life in Armagh and across Ireland – a pioneering musician. Her decades of contribution to music and cultural expression cannot be overstated, evidenced by her countless awards and honours.

“Eithne had a lifelong passion for traditional Irish music and was tremendously gifted, with strong musical lineage and a skill fostered on the tin whistle in primary school that would evolve into piano, violin and more.”

Her funeral will be on Tuesday 25 August to St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh for 1pm Mass, followed by burial in St Patrick’s Cemetery.