A first-look photo from the film Saipan, based on the events leading to the Republic of Ireland's much publicised World Cup campaign in 2002, has been released.
The film looks at the much publicised row between manager Mick McCarthy, and captain Roy Keane, who was dramatically sent home from the squad ahead of the tournament, an incident which divided the nation as to who was to blame, McCarthy or Keane.
Saipan has been directed by award winning filmmakers Glenn Leyburn and Lisa Barros D'Sa. It is also based on the original script from Paul Fraser.
"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", Barros D'Sa and Leyburn said of the film.
Produced by Macadara Kelleher, and John Keville for Wild Atlantic Pictures, along with Oliver Butler and Trevor Birney, while Patrick O'Neill and Rachael O'Kane will serve as executive producers.
Two time Academy nominee Steve Coogan will portray Mick McCarthy, with Éanna Hardwick playing Roy Keane. The supporting cast will include Alex Murphy, Jamie Beamish, Alice Lowe, Peter McDonald and Harriett Cairns.
Check out the first-look photo for Saipan below.
Photo credit: Aidan Monaghan
