In Pictures: Smiles galore at Bluestack Challenge 2024 gets underway - Batch 1

The Bluestack Centre in Drimarone was a hive of activity from early morning as walkers gathered for the Bluestack Challenge 2024. Click on the arrows below to see the Batch 1 of Siobhán McNamara's photos. 

Close to 300 walkers set off in four groups shortly after 9am on Saturday morning, August 24. The occasional shower did little to dampen their spirits as they took to the hills under the watchful eye of experienced guides. 

See also: In Pictures: Batch 2 - hundreds take part in Bluestack Challenge 2024

Weather conditions in recent weeks meant that the original route over the mountain from Finntown had to be revised in the interests of safety. Organisers had devised a contingency plan which was implemented seamlessly. 

Donegal Mountain Rescue and the Civil Defence were on hand to lend their support if needed, and a large team of volunteers who ensured that everyone had registered and was looked after, guided to their groups, and their bags carried one of the support vans. 

Before the walkers set off, MC James McGroary welcomed everyone and thanked them for their participation. 

"We have young, we have old, and we have middle-aged," said James. "And one fella said to me, you know there are three stages in life - there's youth, there's middle age, and 'you're looking well!'"

He had a special word of mention for Bluestack Challenge founders, the McBrearty family; main sponsors Seamus and Marian Quinn of Blas and the Gateway Lodge; and all businesses who supported the challenge over the years.

James told those gathered that €1.5 million had been raised by the challenge to date.

"This year all our proceeds are going to charities that support additional needs, cancer care and mental health, and I think these are three very worthy causes," he said. 

James thanked the committee and volunteers, saying: “We have a very special team. Those people are so, so important to us." 

People associated with the challenge who had passed away in recent years were remembered. 

"There are a number of people we would have loved to share this day with, but they are no longer with us," said James. 

"These people are all very important to us - Michael Burke, Brid McGill, Maggie Maguire, Martin Travers, Charlie Gallagher, Kate Conaghan, Mrs Temple who was our first sponsor; Jack Voss, and of course, Michael and Susan McBrearty from the McBrearty family. And I'm sure each and every one of you here have someone important that you have lost this last couple of years.

"We carry their spirit with us today as we head for the hills."

A minute's applause was held in their memory. 

After a safety talk from lead guide John McGroary, the walkers set off on the 21km Bluestack Challenge 2024. 

Anyone who wishes to make a donation can do so via the GoFundMe page.