BY NUALA McALOON
A bus carrying a group of American tourists staying in Irvinestown for a family reunion was damaged in a stone-throwing incident in Strabane this week.
The Keys family, who had travelled from as far as Canada, the US and Australia for the first reunion of its kind here, stayed in Mahon's Hotel, Irvinestown, until Sunday before returning home.
During what was described as a 'disconcerting' moment, a side window of the bus was broken when a brick was thrown at it at Strabane by-pass on Wednesday afternoon. The tourists on the coach had just visited a grave in Lifford as part of a full programme of arranged event, including visits to past and present Keys' homesteads, cemeteries and churches of relevance to the family.
Nobody was hurt in the incident.
Two youths were seen on a banking alongside the road as the brick was thrown.
Elizabeth Keys, from Irvinestown, helped organise the trip after a mutual interest meeting with American organiser Karen Keyes Endemann. She condemned the attack.
"There were an awful lot of elderly people on the bus and some of them would have had limited mobility. However, they seemed to take it light-heartedly and I think the shock was absorbed when the bus driver settled them."
Meanwhile, Ms Endemann, from Ottawa in Canada, who was on the bus when the incident occurred, said: "There were two loud bangs – bang, bang. We stopped the bus and looked around. An entire side window was smashed, about four feet long and wide, and it was completely shattered. It was a double glassed pane. If it was a single pane there would have been serious problems.
"The bus was packed and not a seat was empty. We moved everyone away from the seats and away from the window. It was disconcerting and it delayed our trip."
The incident, while discomforting, Ms Endemann said, didn't spoil the trip for visitors. Instead, she said, these type of incidents while unsavoury, happen on a daily basis across the world.
"No, we have had a lot of fun, there are people here from Canada, the US and Australia. They have come a long way to Fermanagh to meet the Keys and we have been received with generosity, warmth and extreme hospitality. It has been fabulous and one of the best holidays for several of these people."
Police said that this was the latest in a number of similar incidents in the area.
Buses, cars and lorries have been struck with stones and police say the culprits are putting lives at risk.
"The dangers of these incidents are all too obvious. Drivers could lose control and this could put their lives and the lives of other road users in danger.
"We are appealing to parents and community groups to use their influence on young people. These incidents must stop before someone is killed or seriously injured."
Anyone who can help identify the stone throwers is asked to contact police in Strabane. The number to call with any information is 0845 600 8000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
