Galway All Star nominee Declan Meehan will spend the next 10 days hill walking in the Himalayas as part of a charity initiative organised by the Fighting Blindness group.

Meehan is due to leave Dublin today and will miss Galway's first league game on Sunday. Among those joining him on the Nepal Trek 2000 will be Craig Walsh, fitness adviser to the Irish rugby team.

Around 20 people will take part in the trip, which will involve covering over 150 km and climbing to 4,000 feet. Meehan's involvement in Galway's All-Ireland campaign curtailed his training for this undertaking but his natural reserve of fitness ought to stand to him.

Meanwhile, Na Fianna have been installed as favourites to lift the All-Ireland club football championship this season, with Athenry tipped to retain the hurling title they won last March. Na Fianna were beaten by Crossmaglen in last year's final.

Other tips from Ladbrokes are Nemo Rangers at 9 to 2 and Errigal Chiarain of Tyrone at 6 to 1 to lift the football championship. Graigue Ballycallan, Kilkenny hurling champions, are available at 9 to 2, with Tipperary champions Toomevara at 10 to 1.

The GAA community in Cavan continue to play tribute to Tom Maguire, one of the brightest stars of the 1950s and 60s, who passed away recently.

A native of Currin, in Templeport, he had a distinguished career during which he won four Ulster senior medals and five Railway Cup medals. A centre back, he remained actively involved with the GAA, serving both the Cavan County Board and Central Council. The former garda is survived by his wife Maeve and four children.

Clubs are reminded that the nominations deadline for the inaugural `AIB GAA club of the year' has been extended to November 24th. The scheme is divided into four categories: large urban club, medium urban club, large rural club, small rural club. The overall winner will receive a development grant of £5,000.