The Bluestack Challenge - the story so far

The Bluestack Challenge will take place again this year on August 24, navigating the scenic terrain from Fintown to Drimarone.   
Synonymous with Donegal’s stunning Bluestack mountains, the walk has long been associated with raising funds for individuals with additional needs.  First held in 2002, the sponsored hill walk is probably one of the country’s premier charity fundraising events. 

Twenty-two years ago, following the birth of their daughter Aine, and approaching Patrick’s 40th birthday, the McBrearty family decided that, rather than celebrating with a party, he’d instead endeavour to get 40 friends and family members to walk 40km and raise €40k for individuals with intellectual disabilities in Donegal.  And so it all began!

Four walks took place from 2002 up to 2007, with significant funds raised and distributed to a variety of causes across the county. It was around that time that the Bluestack Foundation was formed by a number of individuals.  Then, under the pioneering vision and commitment of four of those people; Patrick himself, James McGrory, Siobhan Taylor and Ann-Edel Ward, they became personal guarantors of the debt in purchasing the Glebe building, during what could only be described as a time of unprecedented economic uncertainty.

In the intervening years, the Bluestack Foundation has provided direct support to people with intellectual disabilities and their families, and all monies raised by the Bluestack Challenge hillwalk from 2009 up to 2022 were channelled directly to the foundation, with the primary objective of repaying the debt.  

They’ve seen many life issues impacting people during this period and now, with the Foundation’s building debt-free and in receipt of additional funding streams, the Bluestack Challenge is expanding its fundraising efforts going forward to meet ever-increasing challenges in this post-pandemic era.  Challenges such as Cancer Care and Mental Health issues, as well as continuing to support people with Additional Needs primarily within the County.

“The Bluestack Challenge is a great local event,” Michael J Breslin, the Challenge PRO said. “There’s a very warm, community feel-good factor associated with its involvement.

“The continuity and ongoing success of the walk is very much dependent on the generosity of the local community, walkers and voluntary helpers, together with the hard work and commitment of a great committee. Indeed, seven of the founding committee members are still actively involved today. So many people have supported the walk in so many different ways down through the years and its success today is a testament to all of them.

“We are ever conscious of the variety of fundraising events and challenges available as the landscape of local fundraising grows and expands, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who choose to support our causes by participating in The Bluestack Challenge. Proceeds from future biennial walks will be distributed through various organisations under the umbrella of Additional Needs, Cancer Care & Mental Health supports etc., as priorities and needs evolve.

"We really look forward to everyone’s participation and support. As always, it’ll be a great experience. And it’s especially encouraging that all funds raised go towards such worthy, local causes. Please register now on the Bluestack Challenge website.