Armagh musician Eithne Vallely has died after being struck by a truck on the Portadown Road, with police now appealing for witnesses and information to assist their investigation.

The 81-year-old was walking in the Portadown Road area on Friday morning when the collision happened. Emergency services attended and medical treatment was provided, but Ms Vallely was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The road was closed for a time after the crash but has since fully reopened, according to the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

Police appeal for information

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

“Officers attended, alongside colleagues from other emergency services.”
“Medical treatment was provided to the pedestrian, however she was pronounced deceased at the scene.”
“The Portadown Road, which was closed for a time, has now fully reopened.”

Police are asking anyone who witnessed the collision, or who has information that could assist the investigation, to make contact through the PSNI witness appeal form at reporting.psni.police.uk/appeals.

Anyone contacting police should quote reference 247 21/08/26. Information can also be provided by calling 101.

Tributes to a pioneering musician

Ms Vallely was remembered as a major figure in Irish cultural life. Dáire Hughes, Sinn Féin MP for Newry and Armagh, paid tribute to her contribution to traditional music and cultural expression, which he said continued for decades and was recognised through numerous awards and honours.

Mr Hughes said Ms Vallely began developing her musical ability after learning the tin whistle in primary school. She later progressed to the piano, violin and other instruments, while also undertaking early work collecting and recording traditional music.

Her influence extended beyond performance. Ms Vallely founded the Armagh Pipers Club with her husband, Brian, helping pass on her enthusiasm for traditional music to her family and the wider community.

Her children and grandchildren were among those offered condolences in the tribute. Mr Hughes also expressed his sympathies to Brian Vallely, the couple’s children and grandchildren, the wider Vallely family, and Ms Vallely’s friends, neighbours, fellow musicians and learners.

The police witness appeal remains open as the collision investigation continues.