FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION

IFTA AWARDS 2026

SAIPAN

2002, shortly before the FIFA World Cup in Japan and South Korea. The Irish national football team arrives on the Pacific island of Saipan where they are to bond and train before moving to Japan. But the management’s relaxed approach does not match team captain Roy Keane’s expectations. The Man United star player is here to win it.

Director: Lisa Barros D'Sa, Glenn Leyburn
Writer: Paul Fraser
Producers: Macdara Kelleher, John Keville, Trevor Birney, Oliver Butler

Filmmaker Q&A

Q: What was the genesis of this film, and how did it evolve over the course of development to production and completion?

Macdara Kelleher (Producer): “We are always interested in trying to find stories that capture the imagination of Irish audiences and the story of Saipan, one of the most tragic moments in Irish sporting history is one that continues evoke strong emotions to this day. We felt enough time had passed since the event that we could bring perhaps a fresh and more nuanced perspective to the story that had previously been told. It has been great to see both local and international reaction to the film be so overwhelmingly positive and we are very proud of the final film.”

Q: To what extent was your on-screen talent vital to the success of the film?

Macdara: “There is a huge amount of scrutiny that comes with portraying real characters or events so the cast in this instance is even more vital. We were fortunate to have two incredible leads in Eanna Harwicke and Steve Coogan and it was a real joy to watch them bring the characters of Roy Keane & Mick McCarthy to life."

Q: What does it mean to have your work acknowledged by your peers in the Irish film community and showcased at the IFTA Awards?

Macdara: "The sheer breadth of Irish talent that are working at the highest level and being recognised internationally is truly incredible. But there is something extra special about your work being recognised by your colleagues at home and the IFTA awards is a key part of showcasing that every year."