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FILM | MARCH 5: 7:00pm
Saipan: A World Cup Feud – NYC Premiere
FILM | MARCH 5: 7:00pm
Saipan: A World Cup Feud – NYC Premiere
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Credits
Directed by:
Lisa Barros D’sa & Glenn Leyburn
Produced by:
Macdara Kelleher, John Keville, Trevor Birney, Olly Butler
Screenplay by:
Paul Fraser
Running Time:
90 minutes
Ticket includes After Party at Solas E. 9th St. off 2nd Ave with complimentary beer, 9p-11pm
The screening will be followed by a Q&A with Directors Glen Leyburn & Lisa Barros D’Sa
CraicFest 2026 officially opens on March 5th with the New York City Premiere of SAIPAN: A World Cup Feud at Village East by Angelika.
This special opening night screening marks the film’s first-ever presentation to NYC audiences, making it a landmark moment for both the festival and Irish cinema in New York City.
SAIPAN: A World Cup Feud revisits the infamous events surrounding Ireland’s 2002 World Cup campaign, when tensions between team captain Roy Keane and manager Mick McCarthy erupted into one of the most controversial moments in Irish sporting history.
Set against the pressure of international competition, the film explores how preparation, professionalism, leadership, and personality collided - creating a moment that split public opinion and became etched into Ireland’s cultural memory.
More than a sports story, SAIPAN: A World Cup Feud is a powerful examination of standards, principles, and what it means to represent a nation on the world stage.
Image gallery
opens in a new window
Credits
Directed by:
Lisa Barros D’sa & Glenn Leyburn
Produced by:
Macdara Kelleher, John Keville, Trevor Birney, Olly Butler
Screenplay by:
Paul Fraser
Running Time:
90 minutes
CraicFest 2026 officially opens on March 5th with the New York City Premiere of SAIPAN at Village East by Angelika.
This special opening night screening marks the film’s first-ever presentation to NYC audiences, making it a landmark moment for both the festival and Irish cinema in New York City.
SAIPAN revisits the infamous events surrounding Ireland’s 2002 World Cup campaign, when tensions between team captain Roy Keane and manager Mick McCarthy erupted into one of the most controversial moments in Irish sporting history.
Set against the pressure of international competition, the film explores how preparation, professionalism, leadership, and personality collided - creating a moment that split public opinion and became etched into Ireland’s cultural memory.
More than a sports story, SAIPAN is a powerful examination of standards, principles, and what it means to represent a nation on the world stage.
Ticket includes After Party at Solas E. 9th St. off 2nd Ave with complimentary beer, 9p-11pm
The screening will be followed by a Q&A with Directors Glen Leyburn & Lisa Barros D’Sa
Video gallery
Image gallery
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