Eithne attended Murlog NS where Sean Brady father of renowned singer Paul Brady was principal. From there she went as a boarder to the Irish medium secondary school Colaiste Bhride in Falcarragh When it closed she went as a boarder to Clochar lughaidh in Monaghan then an Irish medium school. After attending Clochar Lughaidh in Monaghan she went to UCD where she graduated in Celtic Studies After teaching in Dublin she returned to teach Irish and Latin in  Clochar Lughaidh.

In 1969 she married Brian Vallely who had founded the Armagh Pipers Club in 1966. She quickly became Director of music and began publishing the Armagh Pipers Club tutor books which went all over the world. Her academic career continued in Armagh firstly teaching Irish and then music in the CBS.

Following the amalgamation of the CBS and St Patrick’s College she was appointed head of creative studies covering both music and Art. She was awarded a fellowship at the Institute of Irish Studies at Queens University. She was then appointed to the panel drawing up the new music curriculum for the GCSE exams board.  Following this she was appointed to conduct courses for music teachers around the Southern Education Board area.

In 1994 she retired from teaching at St Patrick's GS to concentrate on her work as Director of Music at Armagh Pipers Club preparing the teaching programs for the 25 tutors employed by the club. She continues in this role.