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IRISH MUSICIAN EITHNE Vallely (81) has died after being hit by a lorry in Co Armagh.

Vallely, who was a pedestrian, was struck by a lorry around 8.20am on Friday in the Portadown Road area.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland said that medical treatment was provided, but she was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The Portadown Road, which was closed for a time, has now fully reopened.

Vallely, born Ní Chiarda, was a well-known figure in the Irish traditional music world for her fiddle playing.

She founded the Armagh Pipers Club with her husband Brian in 1966.

SDLP Armagh councillor Thomas O’Hanlon said that Vallely’s death is “simply devastating news”.

“Eithne came from Donegal, but she made Armagh her home, and what an extraordinary contribution she made to the cultural and musical life of our city, this island and far beyond over many decades.

“Through the [Armagh Pipers] Club, Eithne taught, encouraged and inspired generations of children and young musicians. Many of the students she once taught are now the teachers of today, passing that same tradition on to another generation.

“I had the privilege of seeing Eithne’s work at close quarters. I witnessed the patience, care and encouragement she gave to young people. She was a gifted teacher, an experienced administrator and Director of Music, but above all she was someone who gave so generously of herself to others.

“There is no doubt that Eithne leaves an enormous gap in the Vallely family, but also across the cultural community of Armagh, throughout Ireland and much further afield.

“My deepest sympathies are with Brian, the Vallely family and all who mourn her passing.”

Anyone with information about the collision or who has dash-cam footage of what happened is asked to contact police using the witness appeal form at www.reporting.psni.police.uk/appeals quoting reference 247 21/08/26 or call 101.

You can also submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or you can contact crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.

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