Paul Howard's "The Gaffers" captures one of football's most explosive relationships and its spectacular implosion on a tiny Pacific island. The publication of this book in 2002 coincided with a critical juncture, when the aftermath of Ireland's most significant sporting controversy was still fresh and the nation remained divided over attribution.
The story begins with a moment of triumph. On September 1, 2001, at Lansdowne Road, Ireland achieved what seemed impossible: qualifying for the 2002 World Cup by defeating Holland. But even in this crowning achievement, Howard masterfully sets the stage for the drama to come, describing the awkward handshake between manager Mick McCarthy and captain Roy Keane as a gesture that would foreshadow their devastating falling out in Saipan.
Howard excels in delving into the intricate dynamics of this relationship. As a former Sports Journalist of the Year, he brings both insider access and journalistic rigor to the tale. The book doesn't simply recount events; it excavates the deep-rooted tensions between two strong personalities whose relationship had been strained since McCarthy's appointment as manager.
The narrative builds with the intensity of a thriller toward the infamous Saipan incident, where a volcanic confrontation between Keane and McCarthy sparked a civil war that still divides Irish sports. Howard's reporting is meticulous, drawing on interviews with players, management, and fans to reconstruct not just what happened but why it happened.
What makes this book particularly compelling is its timing. Written in the immediate aftermath of the event, it captures the raw emotions and conflicting loyalties that tore through Irish football. The Sunday Tribune's praise for Howard's "short, staccato accounts" of Ireland's subsequent World Cup games perfectly describes his ability to convey both the excitement of the tournament and the ghost of what might have been had Keane remained with the squad.
Two decades later, this incident has taken on new relevance. With an upcoming film adaptation starring Steve Coogan as McCarthy and Éanna Hardwicke as Keane set for release in summer 2025, Howard's detailed account serves as both historical record and cautionary tale. It reminds us how personality clashes can derail even the most promising campaigns, and how the dreams of a nation can shatter on the rocks of human pride.
The book's greatest achievement is its balance. While it's easy to take sides in such a dramatic dispute, Howard maintains his objectivity, presenting both men as complex characters with valid grievances and human flaws. His examination of the FAI's role adds crucial context to understanding how institutional failures contributed to the crisis.
"The Gaffers" stands as more than just a sports book – it's a study in leadership, personality, and the pressure-cooker environment of international football. Howard's prose crackles with tension, making even well-known events feel fresh and immediate. For anyone interested in Irish football, sports psychology, or simply great storytelling, this book remains essential reading.
The fact that we're still discussing these events today, with new adaptations in the works, proves Howard's instincts were right – this wasn't just a football story, but a human drama that would resonate far beyond its time. In capturing this pivotal moment in Irish sporting history, he created a lasting chronicle of how dreams can unite and divide us in equal measure.
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Publisher: O'Brien Press Ltd
Published: November 23, 2024
Paperback: £9.99p, 240 pages
ISBN-10: 0862787815
ISBN-13: 978-0862787813
