BY NUALA MCALOON
A GROUP of international tourists, who were subjected to a stone throwing attack as they travelled through Strabane last week, failed to let it dampen their spirits.
The group, staying in Irvinestown for a family reunion, were passing through Strabane on Wednesday last when their bus was attacked by two youths.
The Keys family, who had travelled from as far as Canada, the US and Australia for the first reunion of its kind here, left on Sunday.
During what was described as a 'disconcerting' moment, a side window of the bus was smashed as they journeyed through the town.
The tourists on the coach had just visited a grave in Lifford as part of a full programme of arranged events, 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, one of the tourists, 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."
The Chairman of Strabane Council had offered to host a reception for the visitors upon hearing of the attack.
"I was truly saddened when I heard about the incident that occurred on the A5 in Strabane.
"Strabane District Council strongly condemn this dangerous anti social behaviour.
"Our thoughts went immediately to our visitors and the distress that this has caused. Our vision is to promote Strabane District as an excellent place to live, work, invest and visit. We have so much to offer.
We have strong historical links with America. We have some of the richest fishing rivers in Europe. We are nestled within an area of outstanding natural beauty.
"I also believe that we have the most friendliest and welcoming citizens around. These are the kind of things that we want our area to be remembered by.
"We were keen to try to repair this situation straight away. I did invite the visitors to Strabane District Council for a civic reception as councillors wished to relay our sincere regrets in relation to this incident and assure them that there are many reasons to visit Strabane."
Unfortunately the group were unable to take the Chairman up on his offer but did say it was appreciated.
The Chairman added, "We are determined not to let the actions of a thoughtless few ruin the reputation of this beautiful area and the good citizens in it."
Meanwhile the PSNI are appealing to parents and community groups to use their influence with young people.
"These incidents must stop before someone is killed or seriously injured," said a police spokesman.
"Our trip here has been fabulous and one of the best holidays for several of these people."
