Remembering Eithne Vallely
Eithne Vallely, a pioneer of the traditional Irish music scene in Armagh, sadly lost her life in a tragic accident in August 2026 at the age of 81.
Eithne Vallely (née Ni Chiardha) was born in Lifford, Donegal, but her home and life’s work was in Armagh. She was, quite simply, a legendary figure in Armagh, who brought music into the lives of hundreds, perhaps thousands, of children in the city for six decades.
Vallely founded the Armagh Piper’s Club in 1966, alongside her husband Brian. Over six decades, the Piper’s Club has become an institution known across the island of Ireland and further afield for the teaching and promotion of Irish traditional music.
In a statement, Armagh Pipers Club paid tribute to its co-founder and director of music: “Eithne brought music into the lives of children for six decades. Her enormous contribution to Irish traditional music was recognised nationally with many awards and honours.
“Fágann Eithne a lorg orainn. Theagasc sí ceol is amhránaíocht ar feadh 60 bliain. Méala mór a bás dá teaghlach agus don chlann cheoil a chruthaigh agus a chothaigh sí ar feadh a saoil. Suaimhneas agus sólás na bhFlaitheas go raibh ort anois, a Eithne dhil.”
Armagh Athletic Club spoke of its heartbreak at the passing of “a longstanding member of our club, who for decades, alongside her husband Brian, was the engine behind the Armagh International Road Races and who organised and helped out in every way at club events”.
Political representatives from Armagh have also added their tributes.
Sinn Féin councillor Sarah Duffy says: “Eithne made an immeasurable contribution to Irish culture here in Armagh and far beyond. For six decades, she dedicated herself to passing on our traditional music, song, and culture to generations of children and young people.
“Her influence can be heard and felt across our city and throughout the wider traditional music community. Her passing leaves an enormous void in the cultural life of Armagh, but also an extraordinary legacy that will live on through the generations of musicians she taught, encouraged, and inspired.”
SDLP councillor Thomas O’Hanlon says that Vallely “encouraged and inspired generations of children and young musicians”.
O’Hanlon adds: “Many of the students she once taught are now the teachers of today, passing that same tradition on to another generation… 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.”
Eithne Vallely is survived by her husband Brian, their children, grandchildren, and the wider family.
Her loss is also one for the people of Armagh; the town she moved to, made her home, and made better for successive generations. Through her beloved Piper’s Club, her legacy continues and her life’s work goes on.
| agendaNi deeply regrets the loss of Eithne Vallely, who brought music into the lives of many children over six decades and whose work was world-renowned. Eithne’s work put Armagh on the map. We express our sincere condolences to her husband Brian, their children, their wider family, and to the people of Armagh. |
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.
