Steve Coogan to Star in Film About Roy Keane and Mick McCarthy Feud

Steve Coogan is set to portray Mick McCarthy in an upcoming film titled "Saipan," which will dramatize the infamous fallout between the Republic of Ireland manager and his captain, Roy Keane, ahead of the 2002 World Cup. The film will explore the events leading to Keane's departure from the Ireland squad, which occurred after a public dispute with McCarthy regarding the team's preparations and facilities provided by the Football Association of Ireland. The conflict escalated following an interview in which Keane criticized the team's setup, leading to a heated exchange with McCarthy. Despite initially reconsidering his decision to leave the squad, Keane ultimately exited the camp before the tournament in Japan and South Korea. The film aims to capture the tension of that pivotal moment in Irish football history. Directed by Glenn Leyburn and Lisa Barros D’Sa, known for their work on the 2019 film "Ordinary Love," "Saipan" will feature BAFTA-nominated Eanna Hardwicke as Roy Keane. Production is set to begin soon, with a release date anticipated for next summer. The producers, Macdara Kelleher and John Keville, expressed their excitement about bringing this storied chapter of football to the screen, emphasizing the extensive coverage the incident has received over the years. During the 2002 World Cup, Ireland performed admirably, finishing second in Group E but ultimately lost to Spain in the round of 16. Following the tournament, McCarthy resigned, while Keane returned to the national team under new management but later retired from international play.