In Pictures: Jim McGuinness launches Bluestack Challenge 2024

The Bluestack Challenge 2024 has been formally launched by Jim McGuinness, and this year’s route will take participants right into the heart of the Bluestack mountain range. Click on the arrows below to see Thomas Gallagher's photos of the launch event.

Taking place on Saturday, August 24 walkers will leave Fintown early in the morning and will finish up in the Bluestack Community Centre in Drimarone in mid to late afternoon. Participants can look forward to stunning views, great camaraderie, a sense of achievement, and a fantastic day out.

To launch the event, Jim McGuinness, who needs no introduction to anyone from County Donegal, participated in a launch ceremony at Blas Restaurant and The Gateway Lodge in Donegal Town on Thursday, March 28.

Jim said: “I’m delighted to support the Bluestack Challenge this year.  It’s a super event that’s been running since 2002.  There’s a great local community, feel good factor associated with its involvement.

“Significant, and indeed much needed funds, have been raised from the many Challenges over the years for many very worthy charities.  All of the funds raised this year will focus on people with additional needs, cancer care and mental health support in County Donegal. 

“I would encourage you to get involved. You can support the Challenge by registering to walk or alternatively make sure you sponsor a walker.  Best of luck to all involved.”

First held in 2002, the Bluestack Challenge, a sponsored hill walk, is also well known in County Donegal, and is one of the county’s premier charity fundraising events.

This challenge is organised by an independent committee of volunteers. All funds raised will be distributed to a number of Donegal based charities which support people with additional needs, cancer care and mental health. These funds are vital for the charities concerned to be able to continue providing their services for families and individuals into 2025 and beyond.

Liam McCrea, Chairperson of the 2024 Bluestack Challenge Committee, outlined the Walk’s history.

“There’s an amazing personal story associated with the walk, where it was founded by Patrick McBrearty and his family in 2002, following the birth of their daughter, Aine,” he said. 

“Patrick’s vision, energy and determination has resulted in the Challenge growing to become the hugely successful walking event that it is today. 

The continuity and ongoing success of the walk is also in no small part attributable to the commitment of the voluntary committee, with seven of the founding members still actively involved over two decades later.

“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 charities.”

Seamus and Marian Quinn, owners of Blas Restaurant and The Gateway Lodge in Donegal Town, are long term supporters of the Bluestack Challenge.  Having begun their sponsorship in 2017, the Quinn family are once again the main sponsors of the 2024 event. 

The website, bluestackchallenge.com will provide information about the event and will facilitate the registration of participants and other relevant details.