Armagh is mourning Eithne Vallely, founder of the Armagh Pipers Club, after she was struck and killed by a lorry on the Portadown Road.
Ms Vallely, aged 81, was described as a pedestrian. The collision happened on a Friday morning, with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service confirming that a Charity Air Ambulance and other emergency services were sent to the scene. Police also attended alongside colleagues from other emergency services.
Medical treatment was provided at the scene, but Ms Vallely was pronounced dead there. No further details had been provided about the circumstances of the collision, and the report did not identify any further police action.
A lifetime dedicated to traditional music
The death has prompted tributes to Ms Vallely’s work as a musician, teacher and organiser, and to the influence she had on generations of young people in Armagh and further afield.
She and her husband, Brian, founded the Armagh Pipers Club. Through the club, they helped place traditional Irish music and culture at the heart of the city, building a lasting connection between local young people and the musical tradition.
Ms Vallely taught, encouraged and inspired generations of children and young musicians. Many of those she taught later became teachers themselves, helping pass the tradition on to a new generation.
Her contribution extended beyond teaching. She was described as an experienced administrator and Director of Music, as well as a gifted teacher and a patient, caring mentor who encouraged young people.
Tributes from Armagh and beyond
SDLP councillor Thomas O’Hanlon said Ms Vallely had made Armagh her home after coming from Donegal. He described her contribution to the city’s cultural and musical life as extraordinary, saying her influence reached across Ireland and further afield.
“This is simply devastating news, and my thoughts and prayers are with Brian, the entire Vallely family and all those who loved Eithne at this incredibly difficult time,”
Mr O’Hanlon said his involvement with the Pipers Club had allowed him to see Ms Vallely’s work directly. He said she had been first and foremost a wife and mother to her own family, while also having a much wider family in the thousands of people who learned to sing, play and love traditional music because of her influence.
“Eithne was first and foremost a wife and mother to her own family, but 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 said her death would leave an enormous gap for the Vallely family and Armagh’s cultural community, as well as for people across Ireland and further afield.
“Her contribution can never be overstated. Armagh is a richer place because Eithne Vallely made it her home, and generations to come will continue to benefit from the legacy she leaves behind.”