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Irish Examiner
a day ago
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
Colin Sheridan: Kevin McStay departure brings as many questions as answers
The treachery of Fredo Corleone in Godfather II. Lando Carissian's betrayal of Han Solo in the Empire Strikes Back. Hans, the Charming Prince, double-crossing Anna in Frozen. The older I get the wiser I am to the fact it's not Homer and Shakespeare movie-makers have been imitating off all this time, it's Mayo football politics. Even when the obvious happens - such as the departure of Kevin McStay from his managerial position - it somehow evokes whispers of 'Et tu, Brute?'. Such has been the back-catalogue of mishandled appointments, dismissals, and financial philanderings, everything - from the magical to the mundane - becomes bigger news than it ever needs to be. Let's begin at the end. On Wednesday night, the County Executive released a statement advising that a decision had been made to 'relieve Kevin McStay and his management team from their roles with the Mayo Senior Football Team with immediate effect.' The press release went on - with, some might argue, notable brevity - to thank Team McStay for their service. If a non-native English speaker reading this statement was immediately questioned as to whether it achieved its objective, I'm guessing they would say that it did. Somebody had a job. It didn't go great. They were let-go from said job. That information was communicated to all concerned. Alas, this is Mayo and this is the GAA, and still waters run friggin deep. The critical word in the executives farewell was the 'relieve' part. Nobody wants to be relieved of their command, so when you are, it's almost always under protest. In the GAA, where legacy bloodlines run like streams down Nephin, you are usually first offered the opportunity to honourably discharge yourself when your services are no longer required. This negates the possibility of any ugly power struggle. It should prevent, too, the airing of dirty laundry. We tried. It didn't work. We're all sorry it didn't work. Time to move on etc. This course of action pushes the postmortems to the high-stool over winter. At worst, an ill-advised biography rushed out in time for Christmas. At best, the circulation of unprovable scenarios on whatsapp groups. Bottom line, when something isn't working, and the Kevin McStay/Mayo combination was just not working, the end is sadly inevitable. What is telling at this early juncture is that McStay did not step down himself. Three years, three rather tepid championship exits, it would be difficult for him to make a case the fourth year he signed up for, especially as his own involvement this summer ended in him stepping back due to health concerns. It goes without saying that no pursuit of glory, especially one as emotionally charged as Mayo's - is worth risking one's health. Loss to Donegal in the All-Ireland was the final nail in the coffin for McStay, it would seem. File picture: Seb Daly/Sportsfile Everything, then, pointed to him ending his involvement under its current conditions. That he didn't do so himself poses three questions: was he afforded the opportunity to do so first? If not, why not? And, if he was, and he eschewed the chance to step away of his own volition, what alternative did the Mayo County Executive have other than to issue a statement announcing they were parting ways if they believed the partnership untenable? Yes, they could've been more effusive in their thanks, more hyperbolic in their praise, but if they had already broached the subject and still, no resignation was forthcoming, one could forgive them for ripping the bandaid off, especially since they are already behind in their hunt for a new manager. We all leave jobs. I left the army after 26 years during which I was nearly killed a couple of times and far from being clapped out the door, the only communication I received was an angry text from a disgruntled quartermaster looking for my kit back. I would imagine my experience is true for most of us. McStay has not sought any praise for his role, nor has he criticised the nature of his exit (yet), so - and I understand the hypocritical ice I tread on here - there is a chance this uncoupling is a polite and courteous one. It'd be an outlier if it was, but stranger things have happened, especially in Mayo. The facts are that he was a desirable and popular candidate with an excellent CV who was appointed to win an All-Ireland. Mayo won a National League in his first season, before a forgettable loss to Dublin later in the summer. Derry defeated them at home in a preliminary quarter final last year. The chaotic nature of their loss to Donegal two weeks ago served as an allegory of the inconsistency of his tenure. Undoubtedly, he was unlucky; trying to win an All Ireland with a squad so clearly in transition was an incredibly difficult thing to do, but those were the terms of his employment. Cillian O' Connor's curious sabbatical, and a stacked backroom team that included another recent Mayo manager in Stephen Rochford, added layers of intrigue to a story that never needed them. So much has happened it's easy to forget the departure of Liam MacHale from his staff after just one season, an exit made all the more unexpected by the closeness of their relationship. The County Executive's reputation for ineptitude may be well earned, but it is hard to see any other way this scenario played out, especially if Kevin McStay was offered the chance to leave on his terms, but chose not to. Whatever happened, he is gone, and his departure brings as many questions as answers. And so, Mayo start again, again. Experience, Julius Caesar said, is the teacher of all things. Let us see if the battered bastards of Gaelic Football have finally learned something.
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Disney's 'Hercules' opens in London West End theatre
Disney takes London audiences back to Ancient Greece with its new musical Hercules, bringing alive its 1997 animation on the West End stage, reports Reuters. Showing at composer Andrew Lloyd Webber's Theatre Royal Drury Lane, the show is inspired by the much-loved Disney film, itself based on the ancient myth. It follows the titular character and son of Zeus who, upon losing his immortality as a baby due to the plotting Hades, god of the underworld, goes from zero to hero to stop his uncle from taking over. "It's a myth that reflects contemporary culture and still honours the DNA of (the) animated movie," Robert Horn, who wrote the show's book with Kwame Kwei-Armah, told Reuters late on Tuesday at the musical's press night. "It's its own new thing and yet fans of the movie will absolutely come and recognise it and love it." Central to the show are the five Muses, who sing their way through the story with energetic gospel-like tunes and plenty of costume changes. "I think I speak for all of us ... we have idolised these women. We have looked at these women and seen ourselves in times when we weren't really represented," actor Malinda Parris, who plays Calliope, said. "So being able to be that representation for other young girls ... who ... want to be The Muses ... it's living the dream." The show differs from the film in several ways, including Hercules' mentor, Phil, no longer being a satyr but a taverna owner. "The main thing is that he still is there ... to love and support Hercules on his journey," actor Trevor Dion Nicholas said. "It really is about building this bond between the two of them that kind of builds this paternal relationship that I think we were able to deepen more so than the animated film was." Hercules is the latest Disney stage adaptation in London, showing in the same theatre where the hit show Frozen ran up until last year. It features songs written by Oscar-winning composer Alan Menken and lyricist David Zippel from the animation, including Go the Distance and Zero to Hero, as well as new tunes. As per UK daily The Independent, while the film wasn't an immediate box office smash Hercules has garnered a cult following over the years. The musical, which began life as a workshop in Central Park in 2019, was previously performed in German in Hamburg. Hercules will play at Theatre Royal Drury Lane from June 24 until March 28, 2026.
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
All the middle of Lidl toy bargains landing on shelves within days with prices starting at £1.99
Kids will love the new toys this summer TOY JOY All the middle of Lidl toy bargains landing on shelves within days with prices starting at £1.99 Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LIDL is selling a range of toys that are sure to entertain your youngsters for hours with prices starting at £1.99. The budget supermarket's middle aisle will be brimming with new toy bargains in just days. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 The '5 Minute Stories' collection will be available for a bargain price Credit: Lidl From Sunday, June 29, shoppers will be able to make some great summer savings for keeping your kids entertained. For just £1.99 you can get your hands on the '5 Minute Dinosaur Stories' book. Containing six original stories, each is designed to be read in five minutes. It's perfect for snuggling up for story time and slotting it into busy routines. Beautifully illustrated and with a dazzling foil cover it will look great on your bookshelf too. What's more is there are two other books available, the '5 Minute I Love You Stories' and '5 Minute Unicorn Stories'. 5 Get your hands on the Paw Patrol Adventure Set for £12.99 Credit: Lidl Parents can also get of the 'Paw Patrol Pink Adventure Set' for £12.99 per pack. The cool five-piece ensemble includes binoculars, a torch and a compass. With batteries included, it also comes with walkie talkies with a range of up to 50 metres outdoors and a runtime of 14 hours. But don't worry, this set of gadgets also comes in blue too. 5 Grab Lidl's colouring sets for £4.99 Credit: Lidl If your kids love to get creative, there's also the 'Peppa Pig Mini Colouring Case' for £4.99. The set includes eight mini coloured pencils, eight markers and four water colour paints. But it doesn't end there as an eraser, brush, pencil, two paper clips and a colouring case are all included too. And if they're not a fan of Peppa Pig, Lidl also do colouring sets with a Paw Patrol, Frozen and Stitch theme available. 5 The Spidey Stainless Steel Bottle can be yours for just £3.99 Credit: Lidl If your kid is a super Spidey fan, then they will love this stainless steel bottle for those hot days this summer. With a 500ml capacity, the 'Spidey Stainless Steel Bottle' is available for just £3.99. As with the colouring sets, there are also Paw Patrol, Peppa Pig and Stitch bottles available. 5 Get more than 500 stickers in this new 'Stitch Undercover Sticker Set' Credit: Lidl The 'Stitch Undercover Sticker Set' can also be yours for as little as £2.99. If they loved the new movie, they'll love this upcoming set with more than 500 fun stickers to choose from. As always, Lidl have got you covered too with the Frozen, Peppa Pig and Paw Patrol stickers all available from June 29. And if these toy bargains aren't for you, Lidl will have plenty more for you to choose from. The supermarket will have a range of soft toys of all their favourite characters starting from £6.99. They'll also be selling swish scooters with LED wheels for just £19.99 as well as play sets, games, slushy makers and more. And if you're jetting off this summer, you can also get your hands on a kids suitcase or even a pair of crocs.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Woman Who Wore Sports Bra to Disney World Says She Was Denied Entry to Ride and Told to Buy T-Shirt (Exclusive)
Nicole Arena says she was reprimanded for her attire — a sports bra with leggings — during a visit to Disney World on Sunday, June 1 She exclusively tells PEOPLE that a ride attendant 'suddenly' said to her that she was 'improperly dressed' in her workout attire and denied her entry Nicole explains that she was told to purchase a T-shirt to cover up, and that the experience made her feel "put on the spot and embarrassed"One woman is speaking out about her experience at Disney World after she was allegedly reprimanded and denied entry to a ride for being "improperly dressed" in a sports bra and leggings. Nicole Arena exclusively tells PEOPLE that after she and her husband decided to 'spontaneously' visit Epcot on Sunday, June 1, she was left to feel "embarrassed" and "put on the spot" by a Disney employee. She explains that it was her husband's first time at Disney and her first visit since she 'was very young.' Upon their arrival, 'they were both let into the park without any issues and were genuinely excited to spend the day exploring," Arena says. The pair had day passes and 'were rushing around trying to make the most of it and get on as many rides as possible.' During their hectic day, they accidentally waited on the wrong line in anticipation of going on the Frozen ride. But upon realizing they were waiting for a meet-and-greet, the couple then promptly headed to the ride's correct line and then proceeded to wait for about an hour. 'Along the way, we passed several employees who smiled and welcomed us without issue,' she recalls for PEOPLE. 'Everything was still going smoothly until we finally reached the front of the line.' She explains that's when a ride attendant 'suddenly' told her that she was 'improperly dressed' and 'would not be allowed to board the ride' in her current ensemble of black leggings and a white padded sports bra — which she notes is 'similar to a crop top.' 'I was genuinely shocked,' she says, noting that her husband 'immediately defended' her. She says it was 'certainly not anything more revealing than what many other guests were wearing.' 'The employee suggested I leave the line to quickly purchase a T-shirt from a nearby merch store and return to ride afterward,' she explains. PEOPLE reached out to Disney Parks for comment, but did not receive a reply. 'We felt put on the spot and embarrassed,' she notes. Adding that she complied with the park employee's request, and bought a $45 plain sleeveless tank top, because 'there weren't many options.' Once the couple returned to the line, they spoke with a manager "who agreed that we should never have been stopped at the front of the line.' Nicole adds that the manager also told them that any concerns about her attire should 'have been addressed either at security or when [they] first approached the ride.' 'But they didn't compensate us or do anything for us,' she says. 'I felt brushed off, even though it was pretty unfair.' 'The original employee seemed visibly upset after we complained and disappeared,' she explains. 'We never saw her again after that.' 'The whole situation felt unfair, like I was being singled out based on someone's personal judgment rather than a clear policy,' Nicole says. 'It disrupted our day, cost us extra time and money, and just left a sour taste after what had started as a fun and spontaneous visit.' She also says that the park has 'no indication of a dress code issue upon entering.' Nicole explains that if she had 'known there was a problem,' she would have 'easily grabbed something from [her] car.' By the time she was aware of the situation, that 'wasn't even an option.' Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Disney World does have a dress code outlined on its website, which notes that Disney "reserves the right to deny admission to or remove any person wearing attire that is considered inappropriate or attire that could detract from the experience of other Guests." The list of "inappropriate attire" that "may result in refusal or admittance" to the parks includes "Clothing which, by nature, exposes excessive portions of the skin that may be viewed as inappropriate for a family environment." Read the original article on People
Observer
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Observer
Disney launches stage musical 'Hercules' in London
Disney takes London audiences back to Ancient Greece with its new musical "Hercules", bringing alive its 1997 animation on the West End stage. Showing at composer Andrew Lloyd Webber's Theatre Royal Drury Lane, the show is inspired by the much-loved Disney film, itself based on the ancient myth. It follows the titular character and son of Zeus who, upon losing his immortality as a baby due to the plotting Hades, god of the underworld, goes from zero to hero to stop his uncle from taking over. "It's a myth that reflects contemporary culture and still honours the DNA of (the) animated movie," Robert Horn, who wrote the show's book with Kwame Kwei-Armah, told Reuters late on Tuesday at the musical's press night. "It's its own new thing and yet fans of the movie will absolutely come and recognise it and love it.' Central to the show are the five Muses, who sing their way through the story with energetic gospel-like tunes and plenty of costume changes. "I think I speak for all of us ... we have idolized these women. We have looked at these women and seen ourselves in times when we weren't really represented," actor Malinda Parris, who plays Calliope, said. "So being able to be that representation for other young girls ... who ... want to be The Muses ... it's living the dream." The show differs from the movie in several ways, including Hercules' mentor, Phil, no longer being a satyr but a taverna owner. "The main thing is that he still is there ... to love and support Hercules on his journey," actor Trevor Dion Nicholas said. "It really is about building this bond between the two of them that kind of builds this paternal relationship that I think we were able to deepen more so than the animated film was." "Hercules" is the latest Disney stage adaptation in London, showing in the same theatre where the hit show "Frozen" ran up until last year. It features songs written by Oscar-winning composer Alan Menken and lyricist David Zippel from the animation, including "Go the Distance" and "Zero to Hero", as well as new tunes. —Reuters
