A vehicle used by Tyrone-based band The Whistlin’ Donkeys was broken into while the group was in Chicago. The incident occurred after they performed at Gaelic Park and stopped at a pizza place on the way to the airport.

Band members had left the vehicle in a multi-storey car park for about two hours. Upon return, they found two windows smashed and items stolen, including cash, in-ear monitors, a camera with lenses and accessories, and a suitcase containing singer Tomás's passport.

Singer Fergal McAloon stated the group stopped for food and parked nearby. He noted the thieves took cash from bags and work-related camera equipment but overlooked the band's instruments.

Staff at the Irish Consulate assisted by issuing an emergency passport for Tomás, allowing the band to fly home.

McAloon expressed appreciation for the consulate's prompt help in opening early to provide the temporary document.

The band now seeks a replacement passport for Tomás ahead of scheduled US performances in New York later this week. McAloon mentioned receiving offers of assistance for the process.