A new film dramatises the infamous 2002 World Cup row between Roy Keane and manager Mick McCarthy. The confrontation at Saipan training camp saw captain Keane exit the Ireland squad days before the tournament. The 90-minute film stars Steve Coogan as McCarthy and Éanna Hardwicke as Keane, portraying the midfielder's frustrations over team preparations.

Former Ireland goalkeeper Dean Kiely, part of the 2002 squad, disputes the 'jolly' depiction. He insists the team trained properly despite facilities being substandard. Kiely clarifies they had footballs and worked hard, though he concedes the facilities weren't top-tier. He believes the team's motivation was to perform, not prove a point after Keane's departure.

The fallout has defined Irish football folklore for decades. Ireland reached the last 16 in 2002, losing on penalties to Spain. Kiely admits the team would have been better with Keane in midfield. The nation has not qualified for a World Cup since, adding weight to the lasting impact of that Saipan confrontation.