Latest news with #Gladiator
Yahoo
a day ago
- Health
- Yahoo
The best mobility scooter for 2025, according to experts
Enjoy more power and flexibility when moving outside the home with mobility scooters from brands like Pride and Gladiator. Stepping out the door is effortless when you're steady on your feet, but anxiety-inducing when you're not. And that's when finding the best mobility scooter becomes a priority! Over 14 million people aged 65 and older report falling every year, making mobility challenges one of the most pressing health concerns facing the senior population. For many, the fear of falling becomes as limiting as the physical challenges themselves. Traditional mobility aids such as canes, walkers and rollators provide support, but they can't eliminate the fatigue that turns simple errands into endurance tests. That's where mobility scooters roll in to save the day, Today's mobility scooters have evolved into sophisticated devices with extended battery life, ergonomic comfort and stability features designed for safety. With the 65+ population expected to double by 2060, manufacturers are innovating rapidly to meet growing demand for reliable mobility solutions. But not all mobility scooters deliver on their promises. The secret to finding your perfect match lies in understanding your lifestyle and mobility patterns. "When choosing a mobility scooter, start by thinking about your daily routine. Will you use it mostly inside, outside, or both?" advises Dr. Raj Dasgupta, chief medical adviser for Garage Gym Reviews. One of the most important decisions you'll face involves wheel configuration. Brandy Archie, founder of AskSAMIE, says that "3-wheeled models have a smaller turn radius but are also easier to tip over, so your balance needs to be better." In comparison, she continues, "Four-wheeled scooters are more stable but take more room to turn." Finding the right scooter can transform your daily life, restoring the freedom to go where you want, when you want. To guide this crucial decision, we collaborated with experts, including a doctor and an occupational therapy specialist, combining their clinical expertise with our thorough research. Our evaluation of the leading mobility scooters focused on what matters most: safety, comfort, reliability, value, and performance. Continue reading to cut through the confusion and discover which of the best mobility scooters is right for your needs. Table of contents Best overall mobility scooter Other mobility scooters we like What to consider when buying a mobility scooter How we chose the best mobility scooter FAQs Meet the experts Update, July 22, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability. Our No. 1 pick for the best mobility scooter remains unchanged. Best overall mobility scooter (back to top) Other mobility scooters we like (back to top) What to consider when buying a mobility scooter A mobility scooter can be life-changing, but only when it's the right fit for your situation. Whether you're purchasing privately or through Medicare and insurance plans, taking the time to understand the key features and differences between models ensures that your investment truly serves your needs. Based on expert advice and our research, here's what to consider when making this important decision: Type of scooter Your choice between 3-wheel and 4-wheel models depends largely on where and how you'll use your scooter. "How much space do you have in the home to get the scooter where you want? If it's limited, consider getting a 3-wheeled one," advises Archie. 3-wheel scooters: Known for their compact size and superior maneuverability, these offer a tight turning radius perfect for navigating indoor and in-home spaces. However, they may struggle during outdoor use, particularly on uneven terrain or in adverse weather conditions. 4-wheel scooters: These models provide enhanced stability with a wider base and often higher ground clearance, making them better suited for outdoor use and rough terrains. They can handle various surfaces with better balance, reducing the risk of tipping over, which is particularly beneficial for users who need additional support. Transfer safety and usability Before focusing on features, consider your physical capabilities. "Is the person safe when transferring onto the scooter?" Archie asks. "The required skills are to sit without leaning on the handle, be able to push the lever under the seat to turn it, get the feet on the running board and also be able to hold the tiller to drive it." Choose a scooter with features that facilitate safe transfers, such as swivel seats or removable armrests. Weight capacity Make sure the scooter can comfortably accommodate your weight and any additional items you might carry, such as groceries or personal belongings. Most standard scooters support a weight capacity of up to 300 to 350 pounds, but heavy-duty models can handle weights of up to 550 pounds. Dimensions The size of your scooter, both when operational and folded, is an essential factor for daily use. Measure doorways and hallways in your home, as well as frequently visited places, to ensure compatibility. Don't forget to account for hinged doors by measuring their inner openings. A scooter that can't fit through your front door defeats the purpose entirely! Battery life and range How far do you plan to travel on a single charge? Dasgupta says that "battery range is also important, as some scooters can handle longer outings, while others are better for short trips." Scooters typically offer ranges between 8 and 55 miles per charge, so choose one that meets your routine without frequent recharging. Portability Consider how often you'll need to transport your scooter and plan accordingly. "You also should consider if you need to take it in the car. If so, get one that breaks into pieces or be sure to also get a scooter carrier attached to your vehicle," advises Archie. Travel scooters excel in this area, as they are designed to disassemble into manageable pieces that fit in most car trunks. For frequent travelers, some models even meet airline restrictions, allowing you to maintain your mobility while away from home. Comfort Dasgupta says that "comfort and usability are key. Look for a supportive, adjustable seat, enough legroom, and controls that are easy to operate." Features like padded seats, armrests and ergonomic designs are crucial for extended use, especially if conditions like arthritis affect your comfort. Speed and control You can find models with various maximum speeds, usually between 4-8 mph. Consider how fast you need to travel and ensure the scooter has easy-to-use controls. Safety features Look for essential safety features, including anti-tip wheels, lights for visibility, reflectors, and reliable braking systems — especially important given the mobility challenges that led you to consider a scooter in the first place. Additional accessories Consider useful accessories, such as baskets, cane holders, oxygen tank holders, or weather covers that can enhance your scooter's functionality and adapt to your specific needs. Remember, as Dasgupta concludes, "The best scooter is one that matches your lifestyle, physical needs and living space." Honestly assessing these factors will help ensure you're getting the best fit. (back to top) How we chose the best mobility scooters Finding the right mobility scooter requires understanding the technical specifications and users' needs. We consulted with a doctor and an occupational therapist who provided valuable insights into mobility challenges, safety considerations and the critical attributes that make certain scooters stand out. We then evaluated numerous models from leading brands to assess their practical performance and user experience. Our comprehensive assessment prioritized the factors that matter most for daily use, including build quality, manufacturer reputation, comfort and long-term durability. We also analyzed extensive customer feedback to ensure our recommendations address diverse needs and preferences across different mobility levels and lifestyles. Cost-effectiveness and overall value were central to our evaluation, recognizing that the best mobility scooter is one that delivers reliable performance at a fair price point. (back to top) FAQs Will insurance or Medicare cover the cost of a mobility scooter? Medicare and other insurance plans may cover mobility scooters, but the qualification process has specific requirements. As Archie explains, "In order to get a scooter covered by Medicare, the mobility evaluation needs to prove that it has significant benefits to be used functionally in the house." For Medicare coverage, you'll need a medical condition that necessitates a powered mobility device, plus a valid prescription from a healthcare professional. The scooter must meet specific criteria and be issued under the Durable Medical Equipment (DME) benefit. Importantly, Medicare typically focuses on indoor functional use rather than outdoor mobility scooters or convenience. Whether you qualify for Medicare or pursue other insurance options, there are important considerations to make about coverage versus purchasing independently. Archie notes a key advantage of insurance coverage: "I highly recommend getting the mobility device through insurance because that means the maintenance on it is also covered for 5 years." However, she also points out the trade-offs: "If you don't plan to use it in the house or want to open up the types of scooters you could get (the insurance-covered ones are limited), then paying out of pocket is the way to go." The Veterans Administration and some private health plans also provide coverage for mobility devices, though they may have their own specific requirements and limitations. For those paying independently, Archie suggests looking for "a store that takes HSA/FSA cards or Care Credit that can help with payment." Always check with your insurance provider to understand coverage details, qualification requirements, and any potential out-of-pocket costs before making your decision. Should I choose a three- or four-wheel mobility scooter? The choice between three and four wheels is one of the most important decisions you'll make, as it directly affects your scooter's performance in different environments. Your daily routine should guide this decision. "Three-wheel scooters are easier to steer in tighter indoor spaces, while four-wheeled models offer more stability for outdoor use or uneven surfaces," explains Dr. Dasgupta. Think about your typical day: Do you spend more time navigating narrow hallways and doorways, or do you plan to use your scooter for outdoor errands and neighborhood strolls? Three-wheel models excel at indoor maneuverability but sacrifice some stability, while four-wheel designs provide confidence on varied terrain but require more space to turn. Choose the configuration that matches where you'll spend most of your time to ensure your scooter enhances rather than limits your mobility. What's the lifespan of a mobility scooter? Its longevity depends on usage level, environment and maintenance. While warranties differ by manufacturer, most scooters are designed to last around 5 years. This time frame is also the period after which you can typically request a replacement through Medicare's DME program. (back to top) Other mobility scooters we liked Aotedor Ultra Lightweight Scooter: This is an impressively lightweight and portable scooter, weighing in at just 36 pounds. The dual 10AH lithium batteries provide 22 miles of range, and it's airline-approved, which is a boon for frequent travelers. However, the $1,330 price tag puts it in premium territory where it struggles to compete with more established brands. For those specifically seeking an ultra-lightweight travel option, it has merit, but other users might find better value elsewhere. Vive 4-Wheel Mobility Scooter: For $675, this scooter offers solid fundamentals with its 265-pound weight capacity, 12.4-mile range, and thoughtful comfort features like a swiveling, height-adjustable seat and flip-up armrests. Plus, the four-piece disassembly design is convenient for transport, with the heaviest section weighing just 29 pounds. But the opinion on battery life is mixed, with several people reporting issues. MOVEMAGIC 4-Wheel Mobility Scooter: At $750, the MOVEMAGIC scooter aggressively undercuts premium competitors while promising impressive specs like a 30-mile range, 6.2 mph top speed, and a convenient 5-minute folding design. However, because it's an unknown brand with some reports of poor build quality and customer service, it might be a riskier buy than from more established brands. (back to top) Meet the experts Dr. Raj Dasgupta, chief medical adviser for Garage Gym Reviews Brandy Archie, doctor of occupational therapy and founder of AskSAMIE Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health. (back to top)
The Star
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
'Superman' versus 'Fantastic Four': Who wins the red carpet style showdown?
From left: Isabela Merced, Vanessa Kirby and Rachel Brosnahan have been spotted upping their fashion game at their respective film premieres. Photo composite: Agencies When superheroes swap capes for fabulous designs, the results are nothing short of spectacular. The stars of Superman and Fantastic Four have confidently stepped into the fashion spotlight. Their recent press appearances reveal a new kind of superpower: impressive style. With each stop of their promotional tour, these leading actors are redefining what it means to dress like a hero – one impeccably tailored suit or statement dress at a time. This brings to mind the fashion face-off between the Barbie and Oppenheimer casts back in 2023, where the competition spilled over from the box office to the red carpet. Read more: 'Barbenheimer' fashion: Red carpet square-off between 'Barbie' and 'Oppenheimer' Barbie channelled a vibrant, pink, and glittering aesthetic, while Oppenheimer leaned into a darker, more sombre elegance rooted in timeless tailoring. The contrast not only influenced fashion trends but also sparked conversations about each film's visual and cultural impact. A similar dynamic emerged with last year's Wicked and Gladiator releases – one whimsical and theatrical, the other gritty and grounded. For Superman and Fantastic Four, however, the contrast is not so stark. Instead, it has evolved into a stylish game of one-upmanship, with each star delivering yet another lesson in suave or glamorous dressing. It's worth noting that Superman belongs to the DC Comics universe, while Fantastic Four is part of Marvel Comics' world. With very different – and fiercely loyal – fan bases, the competition between the two camps can be intense. So far, Nicholas Hoult has come out swinging for Superman, photographed in sleek, designer ensembles at nearly every appearance. Read more: Michelle Yeoh and stars of 'Wicked' bring fashion A-game to film's premieres Pedro Pascal, meanwhile, brings his signature charm and effortless cool to Fantastic Four events, often opting for classic silhouettes with bold, fashion-forward twists. Other cast members like David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan and Isabela Merced made a strong impression at the Superman premiere in Los Angeles. Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, Vanessa Kirby, Julia Garner and Joseph Quinn turned heads in standout looks at the Fantastic Four's London premiere. In recent years, red carpet fashion has become a marketing tool in its own right – not just to generate buzz, but to visually extend the world of a film beyond the screen. Apparel and accessories are now meticulously curated to reflect a film's characters, tone, or overall identity, blurring the lines between costume, campaign, and occasionally, couture.
The Advertiser
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
2025 Jeep Gladiator price and specs: Only one variant left, but it's cheaper than before
The Jeep Gladiator has received a raft of updates for model year 2025 (MY25), but the dual-cab 4×4 ute has actually received a price cut. There are two caveats here: the price-leading Night Eagle variant is now dead, leaving only the flagship Rubicon; and it's the before on-roads price that has been reduced. The Rubicon has dropped from $87,250 to $82,990 before on-roads, though examples of the MY23 Rubicon are still being offered for $76,000 drive-away… and earlier this year it was even cheaper at just $70,000 drive-away. The refreshed Gladiator Rubicon is arriving in showrooms this month. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Jeep Gladiator. Click here to get a great deal. Externally, the MY25 Gladiator is distinguished by a new grille with improved cooling performance, and a new 17-inch alloy wheel design. The antenna has also been relocated to the windscreen, which now features Gorilla glass, and the Gladiator has picked up an additional underbody skid plate. Jeep has also made the old Lifestyle Adventure Group standard, bringing lockable under-seat storage, an auxiliary switch bank, 240-amp alternator and Bluetooth speaker, plus a spray-in liner and trail rail system for the tub. Also newly standard are body-coloured fender flares, though a body-colour hard top remains optional. Inside, the changes are even more apparent. The 8.4-inch touchscreen has been replaced with a new 12.3-inch unit, with full-array local dimming technology for improved visibility when the Gladiator's roof is off, and it has been upgraded from the Uconnect 4 infotainment system to Uconnect 5. Other interior upgrades include curtain airbags and Nappa leather upholstery for both rows of seats, and 12-way power-adjustment for the front seats. Jeep also notes the Gladiator has a new urethane dash panel and a hard seat-back panel, though the new instrument panel features soft-touch surfaces and contrast accent stitching. It also says it has made improvements to noise, vibration and harshness. The updated Gladiator has been a long time coming, having first been revealed in the US in September 2023. The ute – Jeep's first since the Comanche, never sold here, exited production in 1992 – was launched here in 2020. It's closely related to the Wrangler, though it has never been offered with the V8 and plug-in hybrid powertrains available in the SUV in the US. There was a turbo-diesel V6 offered overseas, though unfortunately it was never offered in Australia and has been discontinued globally. There's just one engine available: a petrol V6 with idle stop/start. The body-on-frame Gladiator is offered in just one dual-cab 4×4 ute body style. The Jeep Gladiator is backed by a five-year, 100,000km warranty. Jeep offers five years of capped-price servicing. While it hasn't announced MY25 service pricing, the outgoing Gladiator costs $399 per visit for each of these five visits. The Jeep Gladiator has a three-star safety rating from ANCAP, based on testing conducted in 2019 of the related Wrangler. Standard safety equipment includes: There's now just one grade of Gladiator available. The Rubicon comes standard with the following standard equipment: A body-colour hard top is a $1950 option. The Gladiator is offered exclusively with a black interior. Bright White exterior paint is standard, with the following finishes costing an additional $1145: MORE: Explore the Jeep Gladiator showroom Content originally sourced from: The Jeep Gladiator has received a raft of updates for model year 2025 (MY25), but the dual-cab 4×4 ute has actually received a price cut. There are two caveats here: the price-leading Night Eagle variant is now dead, leaving only the flagship Rubicon; and it's the before on-roads price that has been reduced. The Rubicon has dropped from $87,250 to $82,990 before on-roads, though examples of the MY23 Rubicon are still being offered for $76,000 drive-away… and earlier this year it was even cheaper at just $70,000 drive-away. The refreshed Gladiator Rubicon is arriving in showrooms this month. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Jeep Gladiator. Click here to get a great deal. Externally, the MY25 Gladiator is distinguished by a new grille with improved cooling performance, and a new 17-inch alloy wheel design. The antenna has also been relocated to the windscreen, which now features Gorilla glass, and the Gladiator has picked up an additional underbody skid plate. Jeep has also made the old Lifestyle Adventure Group standard, bringing lockable under-seat storage, an auxiliary switch bank, 240-amp alternator and Bluetooth speaker, plus a spray-in liner and trail rail system for the tub. Also newly standard are body-coloured fender flares, though a body-colour hard top remains optional. Inside, the changes are even more apparent. The 8.4-inch touchscreen has been replaced with a new 12.3-inch unit, with full-array local dimming technology for improved visibility when the Gladiator's roof is off, and it has been upgraded from the Uconnect 4 infotainment system to Uconnect 5. Other interior upgrades include curtain airbags and Nappa leather upholstery for both rows of seats, and 12-way power-adjustment for the front seats. Jeep also notes the Gladiator has a new urethane dash panel and a hard seat-back panel, though the new instrument panel features soft-touch surfaces and contrast accent stitching. It also says it has made improvements to noise, vibration and harshness. The updated Gladiator has been a long time coming, having first been revealed in the US in September 2023. The ute – Jeep's first since the Comanche, never sold here, exited production in 1992 – was launched here in 2020. It's closely related to the Wrangler, though it has never been offered with the V8 and plug-in hybrid powertrains available in the SUV in the US. There was a turbo-diesel V6 offered overseas, though unfortunately it was never offered in Australia and has been discontinued globally. There's just one engine available: a petrol V6 with idle stop/start. The body-on-frame Gladiator is offered in just one dual-cab 4×4 ute body style. The Jeep Gladiator is backed by a five-year, 100,000km warranty. Jeep offers five years of capped-price servicing. While it hasn't announced MY25 service pricing, the outgoing Gladiator costs $399 per visit for each of these five visits. The Jeep Gladiator has a three-star safety rating from ANCAP, based on testing conducted in 2019 of the related Wrangler. Standard safety equipment includes: There's now just one grade of Gladiator available. The Rubicon comes standard with the following standard equipment: A body-colour hard top is a $1950 option. The Gladiator is offered exclusively with a black interior. Bright White exterior paint is standard, with the following finishes costing an additional $1145: MORE: Explore the Jeep Gladiator showroom Content originally sourced from: The Jeep Gladiator has received a raft of updates for model year 2025 (MY25), but the dual-cab 4×4 ute has actually received a price cut. There are two caveats here: the price-leading Night Eagle variant is now dead, leaving only the flagship Rubicon; and it's the before on-roads price that has been reduced. The Rubicon has dropped from $87,250 to $82,990 before on-roads, though examples of the MY23 Rubicon are still being offered for $76,000 drive-away… and earlier this year it was even cheaper at just $70,000 drive-away. The refreshed Gladiator Rubicon is arriving in showrooms this month. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Jeep Gladiator. Click here to get a great deal. Externally, the MY25 Gladiator is distinguished by a new grille with improved cooling performance, and a new 17-inch alloy wheel design. The antenna has also been relocated to the windscreen, which now features Gorilla glass, and the Gladiator has picked up an additional underbody skid plate. Jeep has also made the old Lifestyle Adventure Group standard, bringing lockable under-seat storage, an auxiliary switch bank, 240-amp alternator and Bluetooth speaker, plus a spray-in liner and trail rail system for the tub. Also newly standard are body-coloured fender flares, though a body-colour hard top remains optional. Inside, the changes are even more apparent. The 8.4-inch touchscreen has been replaced with a new 12.3-inch unit, with full-array local dimming technology for improved visibility when the Gladiator's roof is off, and it has been upgraded from the Uconnect 4 infotainment system to Uconnect 5. Other interior upgrades include curtain airbags and Nappa leather upholstery for both rows of seats, and 12-way power-adjustment for the front seats. Jeep also notes the Gladiator has a new urethane dash panel and a hard seat-back panel, though the new instrument panel features soft-touch surfaces and contrast accent stitching. It also says it has made improvements to noise, vibration and harshness. The updated Gladiator has been a long time coming, having first been revealed in the US in September 2023. The ute – Jeep's first since the Comanche, never sold here, exited production in 1992 – was launched here in 2020. It's closely related to the Wrangler, though it has never been offered with the V8 and plug-in hybrid powertrains available in the SUV in the US. There was a turbo-diesel V6 offered overseas, though unfortunately it was never offered in Australia and has been discontinued globally. There's just one engine available: a petrol V6 with idle stop/start. The body-on-frame Gladiator is offered in just one dual-cab 4×4 ute body style. The Jeep Gladiator is backed by a five-year, 100,000km warranty. Jeep offers five years of capped-price servicing. While it hasn't announced MY25 service pricing, the outgoing Gladiator costs $399 per visit for each of these five visits. The Jeep Gladiator has a three-star safety rating from ANCAP, based on testing conducted in 2019 of the related Wrangler. Standard safety equipment includes: There's now just one grade of Gladiator available. The Rubicon comes standard with the following standard equipment: A body-colour hard top is a $1950 option. The Gladiator is offered exclusively with a black interior. Bright White exterior paint is standard, with the following finishes costing an additional $1145: MORE: Explore the Jeep Gladiator showroom Content originally sourced from: The Jeep Gladiator has received a raft of updates for model year 2025 (MY25), but the dual-cab 4×4 ute has actually received a price cut. There are two caveats here: the price-leading Night Eagle variant is now dead, leaving only the flagship Rubicon; and it's the before on-roads price that has been reduced. The Rubicon has dropped from $87,250 to $82,990 before on-roads, though examples of the MY23 Rubicon are still being offered for $76,000 drive-away… and earlier this year it was even cheaper at just $70,000 drive-away. The refreshed Gladiator Rubicon is arriving in showrooms this month. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Jeep Gladiator. Click here to get a great deal. Externally, the MY25 Gladiator is distinguished by a new grille with improved cooling performance, and a new 17-inch alloy wheel design. The antenna has also been relocated to the windscreen, which now features Gorilla glass, and the Gladiator has picked up an additional underbody skid plate. Jeep has also made the old Lifestyle Adventure Group standard, bringing lockable under-seat storage, an auxiliary switch bank, 240-amp alternator and Bluetooth speaker, plus a spray-in liner and trail rail system for the tub. Also newly standard are body-coloured fender flares, though a body-colour hard top remains optional. Inside, the changes are even more apparent. The 8.4-inch touchscreen has been replaced with a new 12.3-inch unit, with full-array local dimming technology for improved visibility when the Gladiator's roof is off, and it has been upgraded from the Uconnect 4 infotainment system to Uconnect 5. Other interior upgrades include curtain airbags and Nappa leather upholstery for both rows of seats, and 12-way power-adjustment for the front seats. Jeep also notes the Gladiator has a new urethane dash panel and a hard seat-back panel, though the new instrument panel features soft-touch surfaces and contrast accent stitching. It also says it has made improvements to noise, vibration and harshness. The updated Gladiator has been a long time coming, having first been revealed in the US in September 2023. The ute – Jeep's first since the Comanche, never sold here, exited production in 1992 – was launched here in 2020. It's closely related to the Wrangler, though it has never been offered with the V8 and plug-in hybrid powertrains available in the SUV in the US. There was a turbo-diesel V6 offered overseas, though unfortunately it was never offered in Australia and has been discontinued globally. There's just one engine available: a petrol V6 with idle stop/start. The body-on-frame Gladiator is offered in just one dual-cab 4×4 ute body style. The Jeep Gladiator is backed by a five-year, 100,000km warranty. Jeep offers five years of capped-price servicing. While it hasn't announced MY25 service pricing, the outgoing Gladiator costs $399 per visit for each of these five visits. The Jeep Gladiator has a three-star safety rating from ANCAP, based on testing conducted in 2019 of the related Wrangler. Standard safety equipment includes: There's now just one grade of Gladiator available. The Rubicon comes standard with the following standard equipment: A body-colour hard top is a $1950 option. The Gladiator is offered exclusively with a black interior. Bright White exterior paint is standard, with the following finishes costing an additional $1145: MORE: Explore the Jeep Gladiator showroom Content originally sourced from:
Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Paul Mescal's entertainment firm records profits of €1m on back of Gladiator role
New accounts filed by the actor's Castle Dawson Pictures Ltd show that the company's post tax profits of €1.023m in the 11 months to the end of September last followed profits of €309,051 in the prior year - an increase of 231pc. The €1.02m post tax profit for last year translates to weekly profits of €21,326 for the 48 week period from the end of October 2023 to the end of September last The bumper year for the firm allowed the company to pay dividends of €333,333 to its sole owner, Paul Mescal, who was one of the 82,300 hurling fans at Croke Park on Sunday to watch Tipperary storm to their 29th All-Ireland hurling title when beating Cork. No pay was made to directors last year after directors' pay for 2023 totalled €641,185. At the end of last September, the company was sitting on accumulated profits of €1.16m. In the buoyant year for the firm, the company's cash funds almost doubled from €646,596 to €1.24m. Gladiator was released worldwide in November of last year and Mescal's role as Lucius Verus helped Gladiator to a worldwide box-office of $462.2m. When commenting on casting Mescal for the role of Lucius, Ridley Scott said: 'He was a special find. He was absolutely perfect.' In Ireland Gladiator recorded the 5th highest box office of the year at €3.67m. Mescal - who signed off on the accounts on June 30h - became a star on both sides of the Atlantic with his award-winning portrayal of Connell Waldron in the lockdown hit drama, Normal People in April and May of 2020. ADVERTISEMENT Mescal has a 100pc shareholding in the company and the accounts show that at the end of September last, its current assets - made up of cash and moneys owed by debtors - totalled €1.16m. The lucrative year enjoyed by Mescal's Castle Dawson culminated in his movie firm agreeing to provide him with a €1.05m loan facility in November of last year. Documents show that Mescal signed off on the loan facility with his firm on November 18th only three days after the release of Gladiator II here on November 15th. Seeking to capitalise on his status, the former Kildare minor football captain incorporated Castle Dawson Pictures Ltd on November 23rd 2020. The company due to its small size is not required to disclose the revenues it recorded during the year. Mescal's career has been on a skywards trajectory since his debut screen performance in Normal People. Mescal learnt his acting trade at Trinity College Dublin's The Lir Academy and this year a record 600 people have applied this year for its 16 place acting programme that helped launch Mescal's career. Normal People reportedly gave BBC Three its best ever week on the iPlayer while it also set new viewing records on the RTE Player.
USA Today
4 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Rory's redemption day: McIlroy finally gets weekend home game at British Open and entertains
PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland — Rory McIlroy stared at his card behind the 18th green and smiled the smile of a golfer who knew he'd had a day to remember but also knew he needed to squeeze a bit more out of it to make a charge at world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler. But McIlroy had done his part for the home faithful. This probably was a good day to be a robber because it seemed as if all the Emerald Isle had left home and come to the 2025 Open Championship to see McIlroy play. He had given the fans who chanted his name from the first tee to the finish their money's worth – a dream start that gave hopes of a course-record score in pursuit of Scheffler, wild shots they'd never forget, a long-range bomb for eagle and hero shots galore. 'The atmosphere has been electric all day,' McIlroy said. 'Just an absolute pleasure to play in front of my home crowd, my fans.' Six years after McIlroy found the moment of playing a home Open at Royal Portrush Golf Club to be too big, opening with an 8, shooting 79 and going on to miss the cut, McIlroy finally had his chance to play on the weekend at the Open a mere 60 miles from where he grew up. Bathed in glorious sunshine, McIlroy stood surrounded by a horseshoe of grandstands and like the character Maximus Decimus Meridius in the movie Gladiator, he could've shouted, 'Are you not entertained?' 'The loudest moment for playing competitor Matthew Jordan?' The Englishman pondered the question for a moment and said, 'All of it.' It was Rory-palooza from the start with fans stacked five and six deep, kids watching from dad's shoulders and everyone craning their necks to see the bounce back in Rory's step. McIlroy birdied the first and jumped out to three birdies in his first four holes, but failed to take advantage of birdie opportunities at Nos. 5 and 7. He turned in 3-under 33. Then he drove right into a spectator walkway at No. 11 and seemingly drew a decent lie. But when he whacked at it, a second ball that had been embedded below popped out. 'That is the most weird, ridiculous thing I've ever seen,' McIlroy said. 'Then my ball came out really weird and spinny. Yeah, just so strange.' His ball rested short of the green and a poor chip resulted in his lone bogey of the day. About the same time, Scheffler sank an eagle and it looked as if McIlroy's chances of winning on home soil were as good as dead. But he bounced back as only McIlroy can, sinking a 56-foot eagle putt at the par-5 12th and sent the crowd into a frenzy again. 'Well, that was cool,' he said to some members of the media as he exited the green. After the round, he expounded on the crowd's response after his eagle putt had just enough steam to drop, saying, 'this could be one of the coolest moments I've ever had on the golf course. The roar when this ball was in was insane. It was insane all day, but the noise after that putt went in was incredible.' McIlroy had one more trick up his sleeve at 15, escaping the left rough and hoisting an approach that hit off the flagstick and stopped stone dead for an easy birdie. It added up to a 5-under 66 but still left him six shots back of Scheffler, who leads by four. But that is a task for Sunday; this day was a McIlroy love-fest and he embraced it all, slapping hands with a youngster who painted Rory in his hair and feeling the adulation from a country that is proud that its native son completed the career Grand Slam. 'I'm glad he's playing well for his home country,' said defending Open champion Xander Schauffele. 'It's sort of what golf needs, and entertainment's high. I was on 17 tee when I heard whatever happened on 12. I assumed it was an eagle, some sort of hole-out. I was pretty far away, and it was very loud, and he got a standing ovation walking down 13. Looks like he's enjoying it. Looks like the fans are enjoying it, which is great for this event.' And while McIlroy knows that spotting world No. 1 a six-shot lead feels 'inevitable,' he come from behind to beat him before and he hasn't given up hope just yet. Now, that would make all the Rory supporters properly entertained.
