Steve Coogan is set to portray Mick McCarthy in a film chronicling the explosive fallout between the then Republic of Ireland manager and Roy Keane prior to the 2002 World Cup.
"Saipan", scheduled for release next summer, takes its name from the Pacific island where the Irish squad was preparing for the tournament hosted by Japan and South Korea. The film delves into the infamous incident that saw Keane sent home after a bitter dispute with McCarthy.
The film's narrative will centre around the clash between two iconic Irish figures. Coogan, whose mother was born in Ireland and whose paternal great-grandparents emigrated from the country to England, is set to portray McCarthy. Meanwhile, Ãanna Hardwicke, a Bafta-nominated actor from Cork, will step into the boots of Keane, also a native of Cork.
The film will explore the events leading up to Keane's controversial departure from the Irish team. Keane, known for his fiery personality, had publicly criticised the training facilities and McCarthy's approach, culminating in a heated confrontation where he allegedly told McCarthy: "You can stick your World Cup up your arse". This outburst prompted McCarthy to send Keane home, stating he "cannot and will not tolerate being spoken to with that level of abuse".
Producers Macdara Kelleher and John Keville have said: "A million words have been written about what happened on that fateful week in 2002 on the tiny island of Saipan. Next year audiences will finally get to experience first-hand the feud between Roy Keane and Mick McCarthy and why it was labelled 'the worst preparation for a World Cup campaign'."
"Saipan" promises to provide a compelling cinematic account of this defining moment in Irish football history, offering viewers a glimpse into the intense rivalry and behind-the-scenes drama that unfolded in the lead-up to the 2002 World Cup.
