KEITH EARLS thanked fans for their support after revealing he had become “tired” and “burnt out” since retiring from rugby.

The former Ireland and Munster winger hung up the boots following the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final defeat to New Zealand.

Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Since then, the 37-year-old threw himself into post-rugby work with Eleven14 – a coffee production company the Limerick-native founded.

However, his commitment came at a cost, as he outlined in a lengthy Instagram post last week.

Earls explained: “The last two years since I retired have taught me more than any course, book, or business coach ever could.

“I built something I was proud of. A real business. Real customers. But somewhere along the way, I lost myself in it.

“I was always working. Always thinking about the next move. Saying yes to everything.

“And even when things were going well… I felt tired. Disconnected. Like I was building something for everyone else while missing the moments that actually mattered to me.

“It took hitting that wall mentally, emotionally to realise: The business isn’t my identity just like rugby wasn’t. It’s just a tool.

“Not a badge. Not a burden. Not the full story of who I am.

“Now? I still build. I still care. But it’s different. I’ve started choosing presence over pressure. Structure over chaos. Quiet over performance.

“I don’t need to chase a purpose anymore. Living well is the purpose.

“If you’re tired from building something that’s burning you out you’re not alone. You’re not behind. You’re just human.

“I’m looking forward to building Eleven14 while staying true to my values.”

His honest and open admission prompted supportive comments, both from general fans and former rugby colleagues.

Bundee Aki, Niall Scannell, Simon Zebo, Jack Carty and JJ Hanrahan all commented in support.

Jean-Marie Stander – wife of former Ireland international CJ Stander – said: “Think this is so relatable for many people”.

The outpouring of backing clearly blew Earls away, as he posted a follow-up message to say thanks.

He said: “Just wanted to say thanks for all the messages, shares and replies to my last post.

“Honestly didn’t expect that response, just felt like something I needed to say out loud.

“Things are great. I feel more calm, more clear, more grounded than I’ve felt in a long time.

“I’ve got a beautiful family and great friends. A business I care about on my terms now. Good people around me. I’m very lucky.”

SUN Racing takes on Tuesday’s action looking for value winners at a big price.

Back a horse by clicking their odds below.

LONGSHOT 

G’DAAY (7.30 Chelmsford)

He has winning form over this trip and track and went close in fair company at Chester last time.

EACH-WAY THIEF

AN BRADAN FEASA (6.00 Chelmsford)

He was a half-length second on the sand at Southwell two runs before a good effort on turf at Newbury last time out.

ANZAC DAY (8.30 Chelmsford)

He’s lightly raced and is bred to love this trip on just his second run at handicap level.

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Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

THIS is the jaw-dropping moment an out-of-control lorry with no brakes smashes into a tiny family hatchback carrying five – including a child – off a bridge.

Horror CCTV footage shows the HGV veering into the opposite lane at incredible speed last Thursday afternoon in Brazil.

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The out-of-control lorry just before it smashes into the car[/caption]

Jam Press

The lorry sends the car flying off the side of the road[/caption]

Jam Press

The lorry then hit another truck in its path, causing it to spill its cargo[/caption]

The lorry driver managed to miraculously swerve back into the correct lane to avoid what could have been a head-on collision with another truck.

But the decision to do so meant the out-of-control lorry smashed into a tiny hatchback, not only pushing it off the road but through the crash barrier and off the overpass.

The red car is captured terrifyingly flipping through the air before plunging out of sight to the ground below.

The lorry then hit another truck in its path, causing it to spill its cargo as it zigzagged across the single carriageway.

Traffic police desperately scrambled to the scene to administer first aid, cordon off the area, and manage the resulting traffic.

Unbelievably, the family-of-five in the car that went off the bridge managed to survive the horror ordeal.

One person’s injuries were considered serious while the others’ were minor.

Those injured were treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to local healthcare facilities.

The incident unfolded on a stretch of the BR-116 highway in Cândido Sales, south-west of Salvador, Brazil.

The drama ended when the timber-loaded lorry plunged down an embankment alongside the motorway.

The Federal Highway Police say a terrifying brake failure caused the accident.

And, despite their presence, they were unable to stop locals from looting the split timber.

The road was reopened to traffic about two hours later.

A mere few days ago, footage caught the moment a speeding bus filled with students swerved across the road before plunging into a river.

A video shows the double decker narrowly avoiding cars before flying off the road near Eastleigh, Hampshire.

The speeding bus squeezes between an oncoming car and a learner driver before crashing through a fence into the River Itchen, on Bishopstoke Road.

19 people were left injured following the disturbing ordeal, which was over in a matter of seconds.

Video from inside the vehicle, filmed by one horrified passenger, also shows the double decker barrelling down the Hampshire road.

Terrified screams can be heard from the students, who shout, “we’re going to die”, before the video cuts off.

Jam Press

The Federal Highway Police say a terrifying brake failure caused the accident[/caption]

Jam Press

The road was reopened to traffic about two hours later[/caption]

A FLIGHT attendant, 24, has died after falling from her third-floor balcony in mysterious circumstances.

Aurora Maniscalco was at home with her boyfriend when she tragically plunged around 33ft to her death.

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Aurora Maniscalo fell to her death[/caption]

Jam Press

She at home with her boyfriend when she plunged around 33ft[/caption]

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The police have not ruled out foul play[/caption]

Cops haven’t ruled out foul play in the 24-year-old’s untimely passing that continues to be investigated.

Aurora, from Palermo, Italy, tragically fell from the balcony on the night of June 21 at her home in the Austrian capital of Vienna.

The flight attendant sadly succumbed to her injuries in hospital two days after her initial fall.

Aurora was at home with her 27-year-old boyfriend, also from Palermo, when she plunged from the balcony, according to cops.

He was the one who called emergency services after her fall.

Aurora worked as a flight attendant for Lauda Europe, a Maltese low-cost airline that operates on behalf of parent company Ryanair.

Authorities said her unnamed boyfriend is a flight attendant for another airline.

Investigators are checking her phone and devices to get an idea of the circumstances leading up to the young woman’s fatal fall.

They are also awaiting the results of an autopsy that was requested by her grieving family.

Their lawyer Alberto Raffadale said: “We have filed two complaints, one with the prosecutor’s office in Vienna and one with the Palermo prosecutor’s office.”

The investigation into Aurora’s tragic death continues.

The tragedy comes after it was announced that the truth behind Brit Kirsty Maxwell’s death is to be revealed in a new podcast.

Kirsty, 27, died after falling from the 10th floor apartment occupied by five men from Nottingham when on a hen party.

At first, it was suspected Kirsty had been murdered, but following a Spanish police investigation, the case was shelved and her death was recorded as an accident.

Her grieving family, however, refuse to accept this.

“I know she didn’t jump,” says Kirsty’s aunt Angela Lees, 64. “She wouldn’t take her own life.

“There’s no way. That girl had everything to live for. She didn’t sleepwalk. She had a drink in her, but she wasn’t falling-about drunk.”

Now, the family’s eight-year fight to discover the truth is being told by a new podcast.

What Happened To Kirsty Maxwell? is written, narrated and produced by true crime podcaster Naomi Channell, who decided to make the series after meeting Kirsty’s family at a CrimeCon event in 2023, which they were attending to raise awareness of their campaign.

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The flight attendant sadly succumbed to her injuries in hospital two days after her initial fall[/caption]

Jam Press

Aurora was at home with her 27-year-old boyfriend, also from Palermo, when she plunged from the balcony[/caption]

A “SPORTSMAN” has been jailed for six years and three months for the manslaughter of a man who died after he was assaulted during a melee outside a Kildare pub nearly three years ago.

In passing sentence at the Central Criminal Court today, Ms Justice Caroline Biggs said the prosecution had argued that Calvin Dunne, 25, had taken “a running kick” at Dylan McCarthy, 29, while he was on the ground, but having viewed the CCTV footage again, the judge said that it seemed to her to be “a one-stride kick” that made contact to the head.

Journalist Collect

Dylan McCarthy died after he was assaulted during a melee outside a Kildare pub nearly three years ago[/caption]

A co-accused, Sean Kavanagh, 27, was jailed for two years and two months having been convicted of assault causing harm and violent disorder arising out of the same incident, at Dublin Road, Monasterevin, Kildare, on August 21, 2022.

Dunne, of Abbey View, Monasterevin, Co Kildare, was acquitted of murder but convicted of Dylan McCarthy’s manslaughter by a Central Criminal Court jury following a trial earlier this year.

He was also found guilty of violent disorder, having denied both charges.

Two weeks into the trial, Kavanagh, with an address at St Mary’s Lane, Church Avenue, Monasterevin, pleaded guilty to a charge of assault causing harm to Eamonn McCarthy, the father of the deceased.

A charge of violent disorder was taken into consideration.

After a defence application, Ms Justice Biggs then directed the jury to find Kavanagh not guilty of the murder of Dylan McCarthy, a charge he had denied.

Collins

Calvin Dunne was also found guilty of violent disorder, having denied both charges[/caption]

FASHION fans are set to go wild over a new summer dress in Dunnes Stores – and it’s perfect for hot weather. 

The Savida Bella Midi V-Neck Dress has hit the shelves in stores nationwide and is also available online. 

dunnesstores.com

dunnesstores.com

The dusty pink dress haven-neck, capped sleeves and an elasticated bodice. 

It’s lightweight skirt is perfect for keeping cool all summer long.

The fashion giant said the frock is ideal for a summer’s evening out on the town. 

They said: “Designed with a flattering v-neckline and a graceful silhouette, this dress boasts an all-over pattern of delicate embroidered motifs. 

“The tiered skirt flows beautifully with every step, making it perfect for casual evenings out.”

Retailing at €35, the pretty midi dress ranges in sizes XXS to XXL.

Style with wedges for a glam evening look or pair with trainers for a relaxed look. 

Dunnes Stores designers teamed the dress with white flat sandals. 

The H-Front Slider Sandals are a steal at €15.

The retailer said: “These sleek slip-on sandals have crossover straps and a gently squared toe, designed for effortless summer style. 

“The cushioned insole adds a touch of comfort, making it the perfect choice for everyday wear.”

Available in white or tan, the sandals come in sizes 36 to 42. 

Meanwhile, Dunnes Stores fans are in a frenzy about a new “work-out” dress with built-in shorts.

One fashion fan was loving the new active range in particular as they flaunted her newest look on Instagram.

Ashling Muldowney who posts under the handle @ashlingmuldowney, complimented the mini dress for its “flattering fit.”

In a post captioned “Sunday Casuals from @dunnesstores.”, the shopper flaunted the new sculpted dress with built in shorts.

For just €25 get an ultra-soft, stretchy fabric that wicks away sweat to keep you cool and dry.

Many of her followers were loving the latest look as they flooded the comment section with compliments.

One said “love it” while another echoed “fab on you”.

Dunnes Stores bosses have described it online as “lightweight and breathable”. 

It offers a flattering, supportive fit and built-in shorts with a handy pocket.

Pair the look with an oversized hoodie and chunky trainers for the perfect gym style.

dunnesstores.com

Garrett White - Commissioned by The Sun Dublin

A MAP shows where more than 50,000 have been forced to evacuate as a wildfire blazes near top British holiday destinations in Turkey.

Firefighters are continuing to battle the raging blazes in three key areas as strong winds are expected to whip flames further afield.

Wildfires erupted in tourist hotspot areas Kuyucak and Doganbey fanned overnight by winds which reached 25-30mph.

Four villages and two neighbourhoods were forced to evacuate, Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli said.

And while those in Sakarya and Manisa are now largely under control, Izmir remains a hotspot for the flames.

“More than 50,000 evacuated in Turkey amid raging wildfires,” a disaster agency has said.

Harrowing images posted by Turkey’s Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry shows firefighters working tirelessly through the night to extinguish flames.

Planes were seen dumping large supplies of water over fiery infernos in order to combat the blazes.

And local residents watched in horror as their homes were torched up and forestry continued to burn.

Aftermath photos showed scorched cars and buildings while firefighters worked desperately to fight the flames.

Foreign Minister Yumakli said: “Our heroes continue their relentless struggle against the flames under the toughest conditions, day and night, with all their might.”

Some 122 fire engines, 74 water tankers and 84 heavy machines have been deployed alongside more than a thousand people who are desperately working to extinguish the flames, Yumakli added.

Three residents reportedly suffered from smoke inhalation but no fatalities were reported.

Shocking footage shows teams using tractors with water trailers and helicopters carrying water while smoke billows over hills marked with charred trees.

Adnan Menderes Airport was forced to temporarily close due to the raging wildfires, with some incoming planes forced to divert to other airports.

Extinguishing efforts prevented jets from taking off or landing at the airport on Sunday.

Flights scheduled to land at Adnan, which serves the popular holiday hotspot Izmir, were reportedly diverted amid the travel mayhem – with services only just returning to normal.

And hundreds were left stranded following the major disruption.

According to the airport’s website, flights scheduled to depart on Sunday night will finally be taking off today – but disruptions and cancellations have already been announced.

One flight headed for London Stansted has endured a 20-hour delay, with other flights to European cities cancelled completely.

Turkey’s Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc said that 17 suspects linked to fires between June 26 and 28 had been detained.

But one suspect, a beekeeper according to local media, has been held for allegedly starting a fire with gasoline and is facing charges of “intentionally causing a forest fire,” the Minister added.

Wildfires were also reported in Kahramanmaraş, Bursa, Sakarya, Bilecik, Gaziantep, Bolu and Manisa this week.

The exact cause of the fire is currently unknown.

But preliminary findings suggest the inferno may have been caused by a high-voltage power line.

The governor of the province, Süleyman Elban, cautioned the population yesterday to exercise extreme caution in the next few days.

He said low humidity and high temperatures would aggravate the risk of more fires.

He said low humidity and high temperatures would aggravate the risk of more fires.

Temperatures in Izmir are expected to soar to 36C later today, and could even reach 40C later on in the week.

HOTEL workers are planning to blockade Majorca’s airport in a major protest over pay and conditions that could throw holidays into chaos.

It comes as over 180,000 workers in the Balearic Islands announced plans to strike on multiple dates throughout July.

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Hotel workers are planning a blockade on Majorca’s airport on the first day of strikes[/caption]

AP

People march during a protest against overtourism in the Balearic Island of Majorca[/caption]

Rex

Hotel workers in the Balearics earn less than the average hospitality worker in Spain[/caption]

Unions say the goal of the airport blockade is to prevent entry and access points to the Balearics, which include Majorca, Ibiza and Menorca.

The blockade is scheduled for July 10 – the first day of the Balearics’ anti-tourism strikes.

Walkouts will be repeated on July 18, 19, 25 and 31, with each one lasting the full 24 hours.

A general strike in the hospitality sector, along with demonstrations across the Balearics’ three main islands, was officially announced by the UGT union on Monday.

The measure – carried out jointly with the CCOO union (Workers’ Commissions) – will affect hotels, tourist accommodation, bars, restaurants, catering services, nightclubs and nightclubs.

Both the Government Delegation and tourism bosses are reportedly aware of the looming strikes and protests.

On July 10, marches in Majorca will begin at the Paseo Marítimo de Palma (at the height of Titos) and the Son Sant Joan Airport.

Access points for arrivals and departures at Playa de Palma (Las Maravillas), Alcudia, Magaluf and Cala Millor will be blocked.

The UGT is calling on nearly 180,000 workers to join these strikes.

The goal is to put pressure on the hospitality sector to improve pay and working conditions.

Workers in the Balearics are paid less than the average hospitality worker in Spain, according to the CCOO.

The strike alert was triggered on June 26 after unions walked out of talks over disagreements on pay raises and better working conditions.

The UGT rejected an offer for an 11 percent salary increase, saying the gap between their demands and the employers’ proposal was still “too great”.

José García Relucio, General Secretary of the Federation of Services, Mobility and Consumption of UGT, said the talks “could not have gone worse” and condemned employers’ inflexibility around pay.

Meanwhile, Javier Vich, President of the Hotel Business Federation of Majorca, blamed unions for failing to meet a compromise.

But he added that employers were making “all the necessary efforts” to reach a “fair” agreement with workers.

The union CCOO says that it will not sign below a 15 percent wage increase.

Employers also rejected the UGT’s proposal to reduce workers’ hours to 35 per week.

The UGT representatives left the meeting without signing the minutes of the session, while those from the CCOO signed the document.

It comes as the streets of Majorca have seen a number of protests against overtourism since the start of the year.

In June, anti-tourist protestors swarmed a table of dining Brits and chanted “go home” and “go to hell”.

Officers were called to the scene in central Palma.

Meanwhile, one Majorcan resident revealed a new, more insidious tactic deployed by locals to keep tourists out of popular beaches.

Explaining the trick in a video online, she said locals are making up names for “secret” coves that are actually “dangerous” parts of the city located miles away from the coast.

Reuters

Protests against overtourism have erupted across Spain since April 2024[/caption]

Reuters

Demonstrators gather during an anti-tourist protest in Barcelona[/caption]

A NEW Chitty Chitty Bang Bang exhibition will be launching in Hampshire next month to celebrate Ian Fleming’s tale turning 60-years-old.

The immersive experience will have playful displays where Chitty ‘flies’ across the walls, a selfie station and an outdoor trail inspired by the book’s characters.

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A new Chitty Chitty Bang Bang exhibition will be launching in Hampshire next month[/caption]

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The immersive experience will have playful displays where Chitty ‘flies’ across the walls, a selfie station and an outdoor trail[/caption]

In addition, the exhibition will include over 80 original illustrations.

This will include – for the first time – a complete set by artist John Burningham, the illustrator of the original 1964 story.

New artwork for teen and young audiences by author Steve Antony and illustrator Thomas Gilbert will also be presented.

For older fans, the story behind the story can be explored including Ian Fleming’s writing process, rare typescripts, newspaper clippings and personal letters including what inspired the flying car.

Located at The National Trust’s Mottisfont House, the exhibition will run from July 19 to November 2, 2025.

The event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue, which is £22 per adult and £11 per child.

And for those who want to do the outdoor trail, it will be £3 per person.

Mottisfont House is located in Romsey, Hampshire and is home to picturesque riverside gardens.

The 18th-century house boasts a medieval priory, which was later turned into a Neo-classical home in the 1930s.

The house also has a permanent collection of 20th-century art on display, with changing exhibitions on the second floor.

In the garden, there are riverside walkways and an ancient spring for visitors to explore.

If you want a bite to eat, there are a couple of spots where you can grab a hot drink or light lunch.

And for those who are a sucker for a gift shop, there is a Plant Centre, and Welcome Centre with a selection of local products.

There is a second-hand bookstore too.

And for little ones, the house has an adventure playground and play area called The Wild Play – which boasts three large wooden structures which can be climbed and explored.

Over the summer months the house is also hosting guided riverside walks.

A first-of-its-kind Titanic attraction is also coming to England this summer and will make guests feel like they’re actually on the ship.

Plus, the world’s deepest bar is to open in the UK as part of huge new £120million attraction.

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The event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue, which is £22 per adult and £11 per child[/caption]

A NEPO-BABY with a Hollywood A-lister dad looked a chip off the old block as he made a stylish appearance at the Dior runway show in Paris. 

The 16-year-old was completely unfazed by the cameras, posing for snaps in a blue Dior pullover and white cargo shorts. 

Getty

Getty

Getty

He showed off the looks that come with having a movie star hunk dad and supermodel mum – looking right at home in the spotlight. 

The budding star on the red carpet was Levi McConaughey, the son of Oscar winner Matthew, 55, and Camila Alves, 42. 

Matthew and Camila – who tied the knot in 2012 after getting together in 2006 – are also parents to Vida, 15, and 12-year-old Livingston. 

Levi is following in his famous dad’s footsteps by pursuing an acting career and has landed a role alongside Chris Pratt in upcoming movie Way of the Warrior Kid. 

Matthew – who has starred in films including Dallas Buyers Club and The Gentlemen – recently shared the advice he gave his son as he attempts to break Hollywood. 

He told People: “Don’t be afraid to make a fool of yourself – I did it plenty of times, and it’s a lot easier to go big and come back down to reality than it is to come in under and push it to more energy later. 

“It’s a lot easier to go big, make a fool of yourself, get embarrassed, and then bring it down to reality than it is to start with low energy and go, hey, we need more.”

Matthew also told the publication how having kids has helped him in his own career, saying becoming a dad made him a better actor. 

He said: “Having children I know has made me a better artist and has made me a better actor, because kids see things for the first time all the time. Their questions are innocent.

“I become a better storyteller because I have kids, meaning, I come home from work on something like True Detective, and my 4-year-old kid goes, ‘What’d you do today?’

“I cannot tell them what the show’s really about, it’s not age-appropriate. So I have to go into a parable for them.”