In Pictures: The Bluestack Shack is back with old favourites and tasty new dishes

The much anticipated reopening of the revamped Bluestack Shack was marked with a day of heart-warming celebration by the Bluestack Special Needs Foundation. Donegal Live's photographer Thomas Gallagher was on hand to capture the spirit of this very special occassion.

Guests at the event on Friday afternoon had the opportunity to enjoy all their favourite dishes and to sample delicious treats from the new menu. 

They also had the chance to see the new gazebo (built by Gallagher Plastering and Construction) that provides cover at the seating area. The removable, see-through side panels protect diners from the weather while not detracting at all from the stunning views of Donegal Bay.

The young adults who staff the Bluestack Shack were on hand to make sure that everyone had enough to eat and drink. And there was top notch entertainment from the Wild Atlantic Buskers and the Bluestack Choir.

The ribbon was cut by service user Malacji Collins and local chef Daniel Lambert.

Manager of the Bluestack Special Needs Foundation Wendy McCarry was full of praise for everyone involved in the Bluestack Shack.

She said: “I am so, so proud, this is such an amazing day for us all.

“We are so excited about the Shack reopening.

“Last year we had a very successful year with the Shack. This year we want to bring it to a whole new level.”

Wendy thanked everyone for their support, including the Board of Trustees working on fundraising and governance in the background. 

“The foundation was born out of the good will of the community in Donegal,” she said. “We now have 50 employees and 95 volunteers supporting 438 young people and their families in Donegal.”

Wendy reminded those gathered of her own first hand experience, making the foundation very close to her heart.

“I have a little girl Ava who unfortunately isn’t well enough to be here today,” she said. “That is what drives me. The work that is done here is so important. Thank you all so much.” 

The organisation’s Finance and Compliance Manager John McCarry also spoke very highly of the entire team of staff, volunteers and service users.

“I feel very privileged to work with so many amazing people here,” he said.

“The facilities are testament to consistent, dedicated effort from a community who have decided to be part of a solution.

“When people come into this foundation, the only questions we ask are ‘How can we help you? How can we get you to where you want to be?’”

John praised the commitment and proactive approach of those who had sown the first seeds of the unique foundation, and those who continued to drive it forward.

“We have a real opportunity to lead a charge of change in the disability sector in this county as a whole,” he said.

Eoin, one of the young adults who works at the Bluestack Shack spoke of his love for the foundation team. He had a special mention for his girlfriend Áine and his mother who was present for the celebrations.”

Funds for the gazebo were donated by Abbott.

Deborah Ferguson from Abbott said: “We pick a local charity annually. Employees can donate, and we have events within the factory.

“But it was Abbott themselves that donated towards that.

“We are delighted with the outcome and we are very happy to support it.”

Among those present on Friday afternoon were Cllrs Michael McMahon (SF) and Tom Conaghan (Ind).

Cllr McMahon said: “There is fantastic work being done by the community. They deserve great credit for what they are doing. 

“This is a great facility and it is great to see so many happy faces from the service users and their families and friends. “

Cllr Conaghan said: “I would like to congratulate everyone involved on this great facility and on the fantastic work that is being done here. I wish them all the best with the reopening of the Bluestack Shack.”
Deputy Thomas Pringle (TD) also attended, while a number of local representatives sent apologies. 

Updates and further information on opening hours etc can be found at the Bluestack Shack Facebook page.