The stars and filmmakers behind Saipan, a new film charting the explosive fallout between Roy Keane and Mick McCarthy during Ireland’s 2002 World Cup preparations, opened the Cork International Film Festival this evening.
Lead actor Éanna Hardwicke, who portrays Keane, attended the Irish premiere at The Everyman Theatre, where he introduced the film alongside co-star Alex Murphy and directors Lisa Barros D’Sa and Glenn Leyburn (Ordinary Love and Good Vibrations).
Paul Fraser, Macdara Kelleher, Jamie Beamish, Lisa Barros D’Sa, Glenn Leyburn, Jack Hickey, Éanna Hardwicke, and Alex Murphy at the Irish Premiere of Saipan [Image: BrÃd O’Donovan]
Speaking about the movie’s premiere, Cork-born Hardwicke, said: “Saipan having its Irish premiere in Cork feels a full circle moment for many reasons. My relationship with the Cork Film Festival stretches back. My grandfather Paddy McCarthy was a member of Cork Film Club, back when the festival was conceived. I remember him speaking about censorship at the time and what films had been banned.”
He continued: “Watching the 2002 World Cup in Cork with my family is one of my earliest memories. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d be making a film about this iconic event – one that in its own strange way came to say so much about Ireland at the millennium – and showcasing it in my home city. It is a tremendous honour, and I am looking forward to stepping into the beautiful Everyman Theatre, which has been such a formative part of my life, and bringing the film home.”
Cork-born Éanna Hardwicke remembers watching the 2002 World Cup with his family
The opening night also featured the unveiling of a 1965 archive film about the festival by Pádraig Ó MaidÃn, restored by the Irish Film Institute. This was presented in celebration of the festival’s milestone anniversary, along with special awards.
Review: McCarthy and Keane clash brought to life in Saipan
Steve Coogan stars as McCarthy in the drama which is described as “the definitive account of one of the most fractious fallings-out in the history of sport.”
Written by Paul Fraser (Heartlands, A Room for Romeo Brass), the film is produced by Macdara Kelleher and John Keville for Wild Atlantic Pictures (Evil Dead Rise, Cocaine Bear, Black 47), along with Trevor Birney and Oliver Butler for Fine Point Films (Kneecap, Bobby Sands: 66 Days).
Steve Coogan stars as Mick McCarthy, while Éanna Hardwicke plays Roy Keane
Patrick O’Neill, Eoin Egan, and Rachael O’Kane serve as executive producers.
Saipan, made in association with FÃs Éireann/Screen Ireland and Northern Ireland Screen, is set to be released in Irish cinemas on 1 January, 2026.
Fiona Clarke, Éanna Hardwicke, Alex Murphy, David Puttnam, Gabriel Byrne, Frances Philips, recipient of Honorary Shandon Bells Award, Cllr Fergal Dennehy, Lord Mayor of Cork [Image: BrÃd O’Donovan]
The 70th edition of the Cork International Film Festival will close at The Everyman Theatre on Sunday 16 November with the Irish premiere of the Bradley Cooper-directed comedy-drama Is This Thing On?, starring Cooper, Will Arnett, and Laura Dern.