Noel Cunningham has labelled the 2026 edition of the Bluestack Challenge as “a glorious day,” as hundreds of walkers took to the hills to raise money for several local good causes.
Taking off from Fintown, the 30k hiking route finished at the Bluestack Centre in Drimarone, with a total of 230 walkers taking part.
The group, which was also led by 39 guides and marshals, were treated to a hearty and well-needed dinner yesterday evening following their trek!
A total of 12 charities will benefit from this year’s challenge in the areas of Additional Needs, Cancer Care, Mental Health and Neurodegenerative conditions.
Donations are still open online via GoFundMe at this link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/bluestack-challenge-2026
Former Donegal Person of the Year Noel Cunningham, who has been a champion of the event since its inception, offered his thanks to all involved after finishing the route yesterday.
“I can now gather my thoughts after a good night’s rest! There are no words to adequately express my admiration for the great team who organise the Bluestack Challenge… incredible!” he said.
“It has been doing amazing work quietly for many years and so many worthy causes have benefited greatly. We would not have the amazing Bluestack Foundation Centre in Donegal Town were it not for the vision of great people, and that vision continues by way of a hard-working committed group of individuals who move heaven and earth to put on one of the most magical events ever held in Donegal.”
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Noel also said that the event showed “community, volunteerism and all-round decency at its very best.”
“We had a glorious day and be under no illusion it is called a challenge for a reason! A huge thank you to all concerned including the great team at the Bluestack Centre, what a dinner they provided for several hundred hungry bedraggled walkers after a day on the hills!”
“I have no doubt you can still donate as all money is raised is going to some incredibly well chosen charities. This is community, volunteerism and all round decency at its very best. It was very heartening to see that a huge percentage of the walkers were new to the challenge and this bodes well for next one. Thank you to all who came from all over the country to support.”
Donegal Town Mayor, Anna Gallagher, also took on the challenge.
She paid tribute to all taking part and helping to organise the fundraiser, calling them “a truly special group of caring people.”
“What makes the Bluestack Challenge so special is not just the mountain to be climbed, but the people behind it,” she said.
“While participants face the Challenge of the Bluestack hills, their fundraising helps people throughout Donegal face life’s challenges.”
“Congratulations to everyone involved. A truly special group of caring people.”