Armagh bids farewell to traditional music pioneer Eithne Vallely at packed cathedral funeral

A full-to-bursting St Patrick’s RC Cathedral in Armagh has hosted the funeral Mass of traditional music pioneer Eithne Vallely, who died aged 81 following a road traffic accident on August 21.

The service brought together family, friends and representatives of the religious and cultural communities to remember a woman whose influence reached far beyond County Armagh. Father Barry Matthews led the Requiem Mass, accompanied by Archbishop Eamon Martin and the Very Reverend Dean Forster on behalf of the Church of Ireland community.

In his homily, Father Matthews said Eithne’s death had left a profound impact, while portraying her first and foremost as a wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, sister and friend. He recalled the importance of home and family in her life, as well as her talents as a cook, quilter and knitter.

Family life and a shared love of music

Symbols representing Eithne’s life were brought to the altar at the beginning of the Mass. They included the tutor book she wrote, which was sent around the world, her fiddle, a family photobook, an Armagh GAA jersey and photographs of her ancestral Donegal family, the Duggans and Burns.

Father Matthews said Eithne and her husband Brian first met in Armagh through the Dublin Pipers Club. Their relationship deepened over a Michael Russell reel, and the couple married at Milford Chapel outside Lifford in 1969. They moved to Armagh in 1970, around the time of the birth of their son Niall.

The priest described their partnership as extending well beyond marriage. Together, they developed a shared vision for music and culture and established the Armagh Pipers Club, which he said became a home for music, tradition and community.

Eithne was instrumental in writing the club’s tutor books from 1969 onwards. Thousands were distributed internationally, helping pass Irish musical traditions to new generations. Her work supported countless young people as they developed a connection with their identity, heritage and place within that tradition.

A legacy carried by generations of musicians

Eithne played several instruments, including the tin whistle, accordion and fiddle, and encouraged generations of children and young musicians. Many of those she taught went on to become teachers themselves.

Father Matthews referred to a tribute made earlier in the week by former Irish President Michael D Higgins. In 2018, Mr Higgins presented Eithne with the Presidential Distinguished Service Award for her contribution to the arts and described her as a “national treasure”.

The priest said her influence might sometimes have been expressed quietly, but remained profound. He told mourners that the traditional music played by those she inspired would continue to carry her memory, with every tune recalling a story and every musician extending the work begun by Eithne and Brian.

Her contribution to community life was not limited to music. Father Matthews also spoke about her role, alongside Brian, in helping establish Armagh Athletics Club and about the encouragement she gave to young athletes at the track.

Family trips around Ireland created memories that relatives will continue to hold dear, while at home Eithne was remembered for her famous rhubarb tarts and apple crumbles. Her love of gardening also brought the family vegetables that were enjoyed around the dinner table.

‘Heavenly choirs’ tribute at the funeral

A poem by Lochlann Connelly was also shared during the service. “Remembering Eithne” reflected on Monday nights at the club, rented instruments, repeated phrases of music and the role she played in nurturing talent and sustaining the organisation.

As the Mass concluded, Father Matthews offered mourners an image of Eithne welcomed into the presence of God and reunited with loved ones who had died before her.

He said: “The Heavenly choirs will now be learning traditional Irish music and the beat of our Gaelic sounds will now be filling Heaven.”

Eithne Vallely’s funeral was held after her death in the road traffic accident on August 21. Her family’s work through the Armagh Pipers Club, her tutor books and her encouragement of musicians and athletes leaves a legacy carried on through the people and traditions she helped shape.