In Pictures: Jim McGuinness and Noel Cunningham launch 2026 Bluestack Challenge

The 2026 Bluestack Challenge will take place on June 13. Starting early on that Saturday morning in Fintown, and finishing late afternoon in the Bluestack Community Centre in Drimarone, the route promises stunning views, amazing camaraderie, a great sense of achievement, and a fantastic day out! Click on the arrows to see Thomas Gallagher's photo of the launch event:

First held in 2002, the Bluestack Challenge is probably one of the County’s premier Charity Fundraising events, and two of Donegal’s most respected and well-known personalities - Jim McGuinness and Noel Cunninghan - participated in this year’s launch at Blas Restaurant and The Gateway Lodge in Donegal Town on January 30.

This event is organised by an independent committee of volunteers. All funds raised in this year’s Challenge will be distributed to a number of locally-based organisations, supporting Additional Needs, Cancer Care, Mental Health and Neurodegenerative conditions. These funds are vital in making sure families and individuals continue to receive the services they need this year and beyond.

This year’s specific Beneficiaries are:

Cancer Care

• Inis Aoibhinn and the Cancer Centre, Letterkenny.
• Good and New Cancer support (Cancer Bus) Letterkenny
• Solace Donegal Cancer support Centre

Additional Needs

• Bluestack Special Needs Foundation
• Nemo Special Olympics Sports Club, Ballyshannon
• Liquid therapy, Rossnowlagh

Mental Health – counselling services

• Donegal Family Resource Centre, Donegal Town
• Pastoral Centre, Letterkenny

Neurodegenerative Supports within Co. Donegal

• Parkinson’s Ireland – North-West branch
• MS Ireland – Donegal branch
• Alzheimer Society of Ireland in Ballyshannon & Letterkenny

Seamus and Marian Quinn, owners of Blas Restaurant and The Gateway Lodge in Donegal Town, are long-standing supporters of the Bluestack Challenge. Having begun their sponsorship in 2017, the Quinn family are once again the main sponsors of the 2026 event.

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

Commenting on his involvement, Jim McGuinness said: “I’m delighted to continue to support the Bluestack Challenge. It’s a great event that has stood the test of time. It speaks to what Donegal and our people are really all about – generosity, goodwill and that great sense of community.

“Significant, and indeed much needed funds, have been raised from the many Challenges over the years for many very worthy charities.

“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.”

Speaking at the launch, Noel Cunningham said: “I’m so proud to be part of the Bluestack Challenge going back to those extraordinary days of its inception. It was, pardon the pun, a step into the unknown……an idea born out of a very personal story. 

“Everyone involved with that first challenge and all of the challenges since should hold their heads high with immense pride for achieving so much over the years. A wonderful day, and community at its best joined in walking and singing, laughing and chatting whilst raising money for so many great causes.

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“We would not have the wonderful Bluestack Centre in Donegal Town had it not been for the challenge, and now that net has been broadened to help a number of very worthy causes that do such great work in the community, that same community that turn out to support.

“It is a day that is so special it is hard to find the words but suffice to say I can’t wait for the sunrise and the magical atmosphere that pervades that most extraordinary day - the day of the Bluestack Challenge!”

Liam McCrea, Chairperson of the 2026 Bluestack Challenge Committee, outlined the Walk and its history:

“There’s an amazing personal story associated with the walk, where the very first challenge took place in 2002. Patrick McBrearty and his family decided to organize a challenge instead of having a 40th birthday party. Patrick’s idea was to get 40 people to walk 40km to raise €40,000 for people with additional needs. And so, it all began!

“Now, as we are getting ready for our 15th walk, the Bluestack Challenge has become a hugely successful walking event, that has raised over €1.7m to date for various County Donegal-based organisations.

“Dozens of people are involved behind the scenes in making the day run smoothly, and that collective effort is a big part of what makes the event so special. We’re incredibly proud of what’s been achieved so far and look forward to making the 2026 challenge bigger and better than ever.

“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.

“So, please log on to www.bluestackchallenge.com to register.”