Irish musician Eithne Vallely, 81, dies in NI collision

Irish musician Eithne Vallely, 81, has died following a road collision in Northern Ireland. The police stated that she lost her life after being struck by a lorry on Portadown Road, near Portadown, at approximately 8:20 am yesterday. Emergency services arrived at the scene, but unfortunately, Ms Vallely was declared dead shortly thereafter.

Dáire Hughes, a Sinn Féin MP, hailed Ms Vallely as a "giant of Irish cultural life," highlighting her decades-long contributions to music and cultural expression, as evidenced by her numerous awards and honors. Hughes emphasized that Vallely's passion for traditional music was passed on to her family and the community through her founding of the Armagh Pipers Club with her husband, Brian.

Her legacy will endure through them and the many individuals she inspired. Thomas O Hanlon, an SDLP Armagh Councillor, noted that although Vallely was originally from Co Donegal, she had made Armagh her home. He commended her significant impact on the cultural and musical life of her city, the island, and beyond over many decades, offering condolences to her family and the thousands of people who were touched by her influence.