Red Mist

2007, 52 minutes

Few Irish people will ever forget Saipan, May 2002 and the biggest ever bust-up in Irish soccer. But how many ever knew what actually happened on that tiny island in the Pacific? How did it come to pass that our captain and best player Roy Keane was sent packing from the World Cup by his own manager Mick McCarthy, just nine days before our opening match of the tournament?

Using animation to depict scenes from a typical Irish family during those turbulent times and with the assistance of Eamon Dunphy, Tommie Gorman, Marian Finucane and others this documentary captures the state of the nation during that unforgettable week. We also visit Saipan and talk to some of those who witnessed the unfolding drama.

Red Mist is a creative feature documentary about an extraordinary moment in the life of a nation traumatised by a row between two big men in shorts on the other side of the world.

Based on "Red Mist: Roy Keane and The Irish World Cup Blues - A Fan's Story" by Conor O'Callaghan (Bloomsbury, 2004)

A DVD of the film is available directly from Wildfire. Feel free to send us an email

Made with the support of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland and the Irish Film Board for Setanta Ireland

Reviews

Not a good documentary, a great documentary.
Irish Daily Star – 28th Sept 2007

It's a brilliant film…..Zippy, evocative, poignant and often very, very funny …..A must see. Beg, borrow or steal a copy
Evening Herald – 29th September

The best documentary I've ever seen
Derek Mooney, RTE Radio 1 – 1st October 2007