TAKING THE MICK

Keano walking out on Ireland at the World Cup in 2002 was a blockbuster. Now the explosive split of Saipan is back... on the big screen

- BY NEIL McLEMAN

IT was a Greek tragedy in Japan which split the Republic of Ireland.

The infamous clash between Roy Keane and Mick McCarthy before the 2002 World Cup was sparked by the lack of footballs, water and professionalism at a training camp on the island of Saipan.

But it was also about Irish cultural identity and the ambitions of a newly-confident nation at the start of this century.

And a window into the fierce and contradictory Keane character which still makes him a great pundit today.

The Republic of Ireland divided into Team Mick or Team Roy as the Manchester United captain went home and the Boys in Green reached the last 16.

Now the scandal has been portrayed in a new film called Saipan - with Steve Coogan playing Mick McCarthy and Éanna Hardwicke taking the role of Roy Keane.

Cork-born Hardwicke conveys the simmering rage of the United captain, who was fighting homesickness, his inner demons as well as the buffoonery of the Football Association of Ireland and his fellow players.

Many will not enjoy their portrayals.