Cast announced for Saipan World Cup fallout film

Éanna Hardwicke will play Roy Keane and Steve Coogan is set to play Mick McCarthy in upcoming Irish feature film ‘Saipan’, which depicts the infamous World Cup fallout of 2002.

The film’s title comes from the so-called Saipan incident, when Keane was captaining the Republic of Ireland ahead of the FIFA World Cup finals.

While preparing on the tiny island, the former Manchester United star had a very public disagreement with manager Mick McCarthy, resulting in him leaving the camp.

The fallout between the pair and the media frenzy that ensued will be the main focus of the film, which is being made in association with Screen Ireland and Northern Ireland Screen.

The movie is to begin production this summer on locations in Ireland and Saipan.

Fellow Cork man and Bafta-nominated actor Éanna Hardwicke, who is known for roles in The Sixth Commandment and Lakelands, is to play Keane.

Two-time Oscar nominee and comedian Steve Coogan, known for his roles in Philomena, Alan Partride: Alpha Papa and Stan and & Ollie is to play McCarthy.

The film is being directed by award-winning filmmakers Glenn Leyburn and Lisa Barros D’Sa.

The duo were behind the critically-lauded 2013 Irish comedy-drama Good Vibrations, which focused on Belfast punk-scene pioneer Terri Hooley and his record shop during the Troubles.

In a statement, they said they were delighted to be able to work on the film focusing on an “infamous moment in Irish and football history”.

“We’re thrilled to be working with this extraordinary cast and creative team to tell the story of an infamous moment in Irish and football history that drew battle lines across a nation, cast its hopes, dreams and sense of identity into disarray, and briefly made a tiny volcanic island in the Pacific one of the most famous places on earth,” they said.

Saipan is being produced by Wild Atlantic Pictures, along with Fine Point Films who worked on the Kneecap film and Bobby Sands: 66 Days.

The Boys’ in Green World Cup 2002 preparations were rocked by Keane’s infamous disagreement with team manager Mick McCarthy.

The argument is said to have been about Keane’s unhappiness with the team’s training standards and the quality of the facilities provided by the FAI (Football Association of Ireland).

Despite the best efforts of footballers, coaches and former Taoiseach (Irish PM) Bertie Ahern, Keane and McCarthy failed to resolve the conflict and Keane flew home before the tournament kicked off in Japan.

The Republic went on to qualify for the last 16 where they eventually lost to Spain on penalties.

The incident involving Keane caused huge controversy in Irish society over who was to blame and Keane would not play for his country again until 2004, after McCarthy had stepped down as manager.