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Éanna Hardwick will star as Roy Keane and Steve Coogan as Mick McCarthy in Saipan, Ireland’s upcoming feature film about the infamous aftermath of the 2002 World Cup.
The film’s title refers to the so-called Saipan incident, which occurred when Keane was captain of the Republic of Ireland ahead of the FIFA World Cup final.
While training on the tiny island, the former Manchester United star had a very public falling out with manager Mick McCarthy which led to him leaving the camp.
The rift between the pair and the resulting media furor will be the main focus of the film, which will be produced in association with Screen Ireland and Northern Ireland Screen.
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Filming on the movie is scheduled to begin this summer in Ireland and Saipan.
Fellow Cork native and BAFTA-nominated actress Éanna Hardwicke, known for her roles in The Sixth Commandment and Lakeland, will play Keane.
Two-time Academy Award nominee and comedian Steve Coogan, known for his roles in Philomena, Alan Partride: Alpha Papa and Stan & Ollie, will play McCarthy.
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The film is directed by award-winning filmmakers Glenn Raeburn and Lisa Barros Desa.
The pair were the creators of the critically acclaimed 2013 Irish comedy-drama “Good Vibrations,” which focused on Belfast punk pioneer Teri Hooley and his record store during the Northern Ireland conflict.
In a statement, they said they were delighted to be involved in the film, which focuses on “an infamous moment in Irish and football history”.
“We’re thrilled to be working with this incredible cast and creative team to tell the story of an infamous moment in Irish and football history that drew battle lines across a nation, threw hopes, dreams and identities into disarray and briefly transformed a tiny volcanic island in the Pacific into one of the most famous places on earth,” they said.
Saipan is produced by Wild Atlantic Pictures and Fine Point Films, the studio behind Kneecap and 66 Days of Bobby Sands.
What happened in Saipan?
The Boys in Green’s preparations for the 2002 World Cup were rocked by an infamous disagreement between Keane and team manager Mick McCarthy.
The altercation was said to have arisen out of Keane’s unhappiness with the team’s training standards and the quality of facilities provided by the FAI (Football Association of Ireland).
Despite efforts by the players, coaching staff and former Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern, Keane and McCarthy were unable to resolve their differences and Keane returned home before the tournament began in Japan.
The Republic reached the round of 16 but ultimately lost to Spain on penalties.
The incident involving Keane sparked huge debate in Irish society as to who should be held responsible, and Keane did not play for the national team again until 2004, the year McCarthy retired as manager.