Saipan

It was one of the most seismic events in Irish sporting history: the infamous fallout between the Republic of Ireland’s team captain Roy Keane and coach Mick McCarthy on the eve of the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Japan and South Korea. Keane, then captain of Manchester United and one of the most formidable midfielders in the world, was the pride of Irish football, a player defined by grit, drive, and unrelenting standards. McCarthy, a former Irish captain himself and a seasoned manager, was the steady hand trusted to lead the national team onto its biggest stage in years.

What began as a dispute over professionalism and pre-tournament training conditions on the remote Pacific Island of Saipan escalated into a national reckoning, dividing a country where football can be sacred. It was a moment that transcended sport, sparking pub debates, tabloid frenzy, political commentary, and even parliamentary mentions.

In this taut, character-driven drama, Steve Coogan delivers a riveting turn as McCarthy, opposite a formidable performance from Éanna Hardwicke as Keane. Rather than rehashing familiar headlines, directors Glenn Leyburn and Lisa Barros D’Sa bring audiences into the back rooms, offering intimate portrayals of two proud men with clashing leadership styles, deep loyalty to their team, and differing visions of Ireland’s sporting identity.

Coming as Toronto gears up for the FIFA World Cup in 2026, Saipan is a must-see for football fans, but just as gripping for anyone drawn to high-stakes power struggles and national mythmaking.

JASON RYLE