The long-awaited film Saipan has finally unveiled its first trailer, offering a gripping portrayal of one of Irish football’s most infamous episodes: the fiery clash between Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy and team captain Roy Keane during preparations for the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
Set against the backdrop of the tropical training base in Saipan, the movie delves deep into the tensions that boiled over before the tournament in South Korea and Japan. The fallout saw Keane, a pivotal figure in Irish football, walk away from the squad after a bitter dispute with McCarthy, leaving fans and the sporting world stunned. More than two decades later, the shadow of that confrontation still looms large over Irish football, which has not qualified for the World Cup since.
Bringing this dramatic story to life, Steve Coogan takes on the role of Mick McCarthy, while Éanna Hardwicke embodies Roy Keane. Their performances are complemented by a talented supporting cast including Harriet Cains, Jamie Beamish, Alice Lowe, Alex Murphy, and Peter McDonald. The film also features Jack Hickey as former team member Niall Quinn, who has expressed mixed feelings about the project, noting, "I was there in the room and don't need to be told what happened by someone who wasn't." Quinn’s character adds another layer to the narrative, highlighting the varied perspectives surrounding the infamous incident.
Directed by the award-winning duo Lisa Barros D’Sa and Glenn Leyburn, Saipan is based on an original script penned by Paul Fraser, known for his work on Dead Man’s Shoes and Heartlands. The film is co-produced by Trevor Birney and Oliver Butler of Fine Point Films—producers behind titles like Kneecap and No Stone Unturned—alongside Macdara Kelleher and John Keville of Wild Atlantic Pictures, who also produced Cocaine Bear and Evil Dead Rise. This collaboration promises a high-quality cinematic experience that captures the emotional and sporting intensity of the saga.
The story itself is more than just a tale of football; it’s a profound exploration of clashing personalities and principles. On the surface, the feud appeared to center around standards and professionalism, but as Coogan explained during an appearance on The Late Late Show with Patrick Kielty earlier this year, it also reflected a broader cultural shift in Ireland. "At that time, that was a period of change, I suppose, in Ireland where, if you like, the old guard of Irish identity sort of almost being wrested by a new generation to own their own history on their own terms. But really, it’s just about a football manager having an argument with a player!"
Meanwhile, Mick McCarthy himself has been closely involved with the film’s production and spoke about his collaboration with Coogan on the Under The Cosh podcast. "I spoke to him, to be fair to Steve, he wants to portray how it was for me and not just the script, which fair dues to him. I suppose they’ve given Roy the same opportunity to speak to his actor, who I’ve seen a few things by the way and he’s brilliant." McCarthy added, "I thought Steve Coogan’s going to play me. I’ve got no axe to grind with him, he’ll have a script but he may as well hear how it was for me." This insight suggests a respectful approach to retelling a story still raw for those involved.
The film’s narrative covers the heated exchanges that erupted over several issues, including McCarthy’s management style, the camp’s conditions, travel arrangements, team strategy, and even the players’ diets. Keane’s frustrations with the Football Association of Ireland’s preparations were well documented, and his public questioning of McCarthy’s competence sparked a nationwide debate. Ultimately, Keane’s decision to quit the squad shocked supporters and cast a long shadow over the team’s World Cup campaign.
Filming took place across various Irish locations, including Belfast, Dublin, and Louth throughout 2024, grounding the story in the very landscapes that have witnessed much of Ireland’s footballing history. The production’s attention to detail aims to immerse viewers in the tension and drama that gripped the nation during that summer.
As anticipation builds, Saipan is set to hit Irish cinemas later this year, though an exact release date has yet to be announced. The film promises to offer audiences not only a sports drama but also a nuanced examination of rivalry, pride, and identity—elements that transcend the pitch and resonate deeply within Irish culture.
For fans and newcomers alike, Saipan offers a chance to revisit a pivotal moment in sports history through the lens of cinema, bringing to light the human emotions behind headlines and controversies. Whether viewers side with Keane, McCarthy, or simply appreciate the complexity of the story, the film is poised to reignite conversations about loyalty, leadership, and the price of passion in sport.
In a nation where football often serves as a mirror to society, the tale of the 2002 World Cup preparations remains a compelling chapter. Now, with Saipan, that chapter is being retold with fresh perspective, powerful performances, and a cinematic flair that ensures the story’s legacy endures.
