The Last Word with Matt Cooper
Episodes
Gaelic Football: All Ireland Quarter Finals Preview
26 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Matt is joined by Former Galway footballer Ray Silke and Former Cork footballer Conor McCarthy to preview the weekend's Gaelic football action.They ...
The Week Trending: Metallica Concert Fraud, World Cup & Heat Domes
26 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week on The Week Trending Matt is joined by writer and broadcaster Aoife Barry and Managing Director of The Communications Clinic Eoghan Tomás M...
The Last Word on The Environment: Why is Carspreading so Dangerous?
26 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week on The Last Word on The Environment Matt is joined by Climate and Environmental Researcher and Irish Times Contributor Sadhbh O’Neill.The ...
Tech Thursday: When Is The Best Time To Buy New Tech?
25 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Andy O'Donoghue joins The Last Word to run through the best times throughout the year to buy a new phone, laptop, TV or other gadgets.Catch the full c...
Is There Any Solution To The M50’s Traffic Problems?
25 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Since the M50 was first designed, population of the greater Dublin area has risen by 20%, with commuters now facing long delays on their journeys into...
Culture Club: Annie Ryan
24 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Theatre director Annie Ryan joins Matt for the Culture Club. Annie's latest production is a revival of Lennox Robinson's canonical play The White Head...
Has Ireland Left Itself Vulnerable To Security Breaches?
24 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
As Ireland gets closer to hosting the EU presidency, concerns remain about the country's ability to provide adequate national security for such a high...
The Last Word on Music: Clive Davies Dies Aged 94
23 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week on The Last Word on Music Dee Reddy and John Cadell join Matt to discuss the biggest music stories of the week including Clive Davies death....
The Last Word on the US: Iran, Tucker Carlson & Reflecting Pool
23 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week on The Last Word on the US Marione McKeone and Cal Thomas discuss the ongoing peace negotiations between the White House and Iran.They also ...
The Last Word's Summer Wine Recommendations
23 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Sommelier Brigid O'Hora joins The Last Word to give her top wine recommendations for summer.Brigid's choices include a Spanish Cava rosé, a classic M...
What Is Planned For The GPO Redevelopment?
23 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The Government today agreed the first steps to redevelop the iconic General Post Office (GPO) building on Dublin's O'Connell Street.Minister for Publi...
Former DUP Leader Jeffrey Donaldson Found Guilty Of 18 Sexual Offence Charges
22 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson has been found guilty of 18 child sex abuse charges, including rape.The jury of five women and seven men retur...
The Last Word On Travel: Holiday Destinations From Cork Airport
22 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Passengers can travel to 48 destinations from Cork Airport this summer including brand new routes to Nice and Santiago de Compostela.Sarah Slattery fr...
Burnham Sworn In As MP As Starmer Resigns
22 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
British Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer has resigned from office, paving the way for new leadership.Nick Ferrari, Presenter of Nick Ferrari at Brea...
The Week Trending: Brand It Like Beckham, Shrinking Chocolate, & McGregor On Fallon
19 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Cadbury confirmed that its chocolate bars are in fact getting smaller but the company denies that it is trying to fool customers.As the Wor...
Will Andy Burnham Become The Next British Prime Minister After Byelection Success?
19 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
On Friday, Andy Burnham was elected as MP in the Makerfield byelection and, in doing so, has further increased the pressure on Keir Starmer’s positi...
The Inside Story Of How Samantha Cookes Conned Her Way Through Ireland & The UK
18 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Fraudster Samantha Cookes spent more than a decade conning people in both Ireland and Britain.A new book looks at how Cookes integrated herself into t...
Patrick Freyne On Writing His Debut Novel At 51
18 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Patrick Freyne joins The Last Word to discuss his debut novel 'Experts in a Dying Field'.He chats to Matt about writing from his own life, pursuing a ...
EPA Says Water Quality In Ireland Has Not Improved In The Last Year
18 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
New data from the Environmental Protection Agency has shown that there were no major improvements in Ireland’s water quality in 2025.The EPA has sai...
'It's Been Hell', Widow Of Hit And Run Victim On Life After Tragedy
18 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In 2024, hurling coach Niall MacEneaney was knocked down and killed by a drunk driver. That driver was Michael Ball, who at the time was a serving gar...
Culture Club: Iarla Ó Lionáird
17 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Iarla Ó Lionáird is the latest inductee into the Culture Club. He talks to Danny McConnell about his life in music and the upcoming performance at t...
Personal Finance: Will Fuel Prices Fall If The Strait Of Hormuz Reopens?
17 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Since the conflict between the US and Iran began, consumers here in Ireland have experienced a spike in fuel prices.But if the Strait of Hormuz is to ...
The Last Word On Music: Best World Cup Anthems
16 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
John Caddell and Dee Reddy join The Last Word to discuss the latest music news and also to rank the best world cup anthems.Catch the full chat by pres...
The Last Word On The US: US-Iran Reach Deal But What Exactly Did Trump Gain In This War?
16 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
News this week that the US and Iran have reached a memorandum of understanding to end the conflict that has caused massive global disruption will be w...
Kerry To Face Armagh, Dublin To Host Donegal In All-Ireland Series
15 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The draw for Round 3 of the All-Ireland Gaelic football championship has been made with some blockbuster ties to be played across the 20th and 21st of...
The Last Word On Travel: Miami
15 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Sarah Slattery from thetravelexpert.ie joins The Last Word to chat about some of the best things to do and see in Miami, Florida including the stunnin...
Riad Bouchaker Was "Hellbent" On Attacking Children, Witness Tells Trial
15 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Today FM reporter Emily Keegan joins The Last Word to outline what was heard on the fourth day of the trial of Riad Bouchaker who is accused of the at...
Novelist Elizabeth Strout On The Secrets Of Ordinary People
12 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Following on from her Oliva Kittridge and Lucy Barton novels, Pulitzer Prize winning author Elizabeth Strout has turned her attention to a new cast of...
Who Will Win The FIFA World Cup 2026?
11 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The FIFA World Cup kicks off on Thursday with co-hosts Mexico facing South Africa.There’ll be a staggering 104 matches across the tournament, with a...
Tech Thurs: Personal Entertainment For Long Haul Trips
11 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Andy O'Donoghue runs through the best e-readers, tablets, speakers and more to help keep you entertained on a long flight or road trip.To catch the fu...
Thousands Of Homes At Risk From Coastal Erosion, Report Says
11 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
A new report published by the Climate Change Advisory Council has found that 4,500 homes and 570km of road in Ireland are at risk of being lost due to...
Culture Club: Mark Geary
10 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Singer-Songwriter Mark Geary is the latest inductee into the Culture Club.His latest six-tack EP, Antebellum, is out now. Mark runs through his musica...
Maggie O’Farrell On The Phenomenon Of ‘Hamnet’ And Her New Novel ‘Land’
10 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Author Maggie O’Farrell, who wrote the best-selling novel ‘Hamnet’ has released her latest book ‘Land’.She speaks to Matt on The Last Word a...
Trial Of Man Charged With Attempted Murder Of Three Children Begins
10 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The trial of 52-year-old Riad Bouchaker, who is charged with the attempted murder of three children and assault causing serious harm to a care worker ...
Martin Sixsmith On The $50bn Lawsuit Against Putin
10 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
British journalist and author Martin Sixsmith talks to Matt about his latest book, Suing The Kremlin: The Battle For Putin's Billions.The book details...
The Last Word On The US: Trump Walks Out Of NBC Interview
09 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
US President Donald Trump walked out of an interview with NBC’s Meet The Press after a tense exchange with journalist Kristen Welker.Welker pressed ...
Government Urged To Back Motions To Boycott Ireland vs Israel
09 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Opposition parties have called on the government to back motions which call for Ireland vs Israel to be cancelled.It was reported on Monday that the g...
Author Kathryn Stockett On The Difficult Second Novel
08 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Best-selling US author Kathryn Stockett joins Matt to discuss her new novel, The Calamity Club. It's the second novel following the phenomenal success...
The Last Word On Travel: Summer Short Break Deals At Home
08 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
From sauna and Pilates packages to golf trips, Sarah Slattery from thetravelexpert.ie has the latest in summer deals for a long weekend or mid-week b...
What’s The Mood Like In The US Ahead Of The FIFA World Cup?
05 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It’s less than a week until the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off but the build up to this year’s tournament has been embroiled in off the pitch contr...
AI Needs A Brake Pedal Warns Anthropic Founder
05 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Jack Clark, the founder of AI company Anthropic has said AI is nearing the point of developing itself without human input and that Government policies...
The Week Trending: The Healy-Rae Split, Gen Z Need Resilience, & Doom Spending
05 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week there was a very public falling out between Kerry's political sibling duo Michael and Danny Healy Rae after Michael went on radio to suggest...
Marie Gleeson’s Journey From A Tipperary Farm To Being Captain Of The LÉ Aoife
04 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Former captain in the Irish Navy, Marie Gleeson, has released her memoir “Be Like the Sea”.She speaks candidly to Matt about her experience workin...
Environment: EU Takes Ireland To Court Over Illegal Peat Extraction
04 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The European Commission has taken Ireland to court for failing to stop illegal peat extraction.The Commission said there was “significant” cutting...
Tech Thursday: What Is Chip-flation And What Does It Mean For The Cost Of Your Gadgets?
04 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The price of memory chips is soaring as manufacturers struggle to keep up with the massive demand from Artificial Intelligence companies.Andy O'Donogh...
What Makes A Healthy Breakfast?
03 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
New research by the National Dairy Council has shown that half of Irish adults value a healthy breakfast, but that convenience and time constraints so...
Culture Club: Martin Doyle
03 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Author and Irish Times Books Editor, Martin Doyle, joins Matt to discuss his latest book. A Hosting: Interviews With Irish Writers 1991-2026, delves i...
Govt To Give €8,500 Scrappage Grant To Encourage Drivers To Go Electric
03 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
People with petrol and diesel cars that are more than 13 years old will be eligible for grants of €8,500 to purchase a new electric vehicle under ne...
The Last Word On The US: Trump Battles To Save Ceasefire With Iran
02 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
There are signs of a strain in the relationship between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over Israeli threats t...
Should Nightclubs Stay Open For Longer?
02 Jun 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Three out of every four people who socialise in Dublin would like to see later nightclub opening times, according to new research undertaken on behalf...
The Week Trending: Pope's AI Warning, 'Bin Interference', & Luke Kelly Loses His Hair
29 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Pope Leo XIV used the first major teaching document of his papacy to warn about the threat of artificial intelligence.Dublin City Council s...
Should Ireland Have More Bank Holidays?
29 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Ireland currently has 10 bank holidays in the calendar year which is two fewer than the EU average.It’s a topic that has been up for debate in recen...
Has Gambling Hijacked Sport?
28 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Author and academic Darragh McGee has published his new book “Imitation Games: How Gambling Hijacked Sport”.He examines how betting has become mor...
Environment: Planning Regulations For One-Off Housing To Be Eased
28 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Rules surrounding plans for rural housing which aims to increase supply in Ireland are set to be eased at Cabinet next month.Would this be a positive ...
Tech Thursday: Get World Cup Ready
28 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Andy O'Donoghue joins The Last Word to chat about how you can get your home setup ready for the World Cup.He has recommendations for high quality soun...
Culture Club: Doireann Ní Gríofa
27 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Writer Doireann Ní Gríofa joins The Last Word for the Culture Club.Doireann chats to Matt about her favourite music, movies, TV and more as well as ...
Calls For Restrictions On Advertising For Alcohol-Free Drinks
27 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The government is set to oppose a Bill that calls for restrictions on ads for alcohol-free drinks.Padraig Rice TD of the Social Democrats is set to br...
Opposition Vow To Strengthen Occupied Territories Bill
27 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
After years of delays, Cabinet agreed this week to bring forward the Occupied Territories Bill, which will prohibit the import of goods from Israeli s...
State Spent Almost €500m On Emergency Accommodation Last Year
26 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Eoin O Broin, Sinn Féin TD and housing spokesperson and Seamus McGrath, Fianna Fáil TD and housing spokesperson discuss the costs of emergency accom...
The Last Word On US: Iran War, Slush Fund & White House Ballroom Fuel Division In Republican Party
26 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone join The Last Word to discuss the latest news from the United States including stalled negotiations to end the Iran war,...
What Now For Reality TV Following MAFS Allegations?
25 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Former boss of Channel 4 Michael Grade has said the television industry faces a “watershed moment” after three participants of Married at First Si...
The Last Word On Travel: Walking Holidays In Europe
25 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Barry Taylor joins The Last Word to discuss some great walking holidays that aren't the Camino. He has details on shorter routes in Ireland that could...
The Week Trending: Catholicism, CMAT, & The Irish Language
22 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
While on a visit to Italy this week, Taoiseach Micheál Martin met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, the first meeting between a pontiff and a Taoisea...
Champions Cup Final Preview
21 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
On Saturday, Leinster take on Bordeaux Begles in this year’s Champions Cup final.After so much heartbreak in the competition in recent seasons, can ...
The Last Word On Movies: Michael Bay To Direct Film About US Military Rescue In Iran
21 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Brian Lloyd joins The Last Word to review the week's biggest movie releases, 'The Mandalorian and Grogu' and 'Finding Emily'.He also discusses the lat...
Latest In Travel & Adventure Tech
21 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Andy O'Donoghue talks to Matt about the latest gadgets for all kinds of holidays, whether a weekend getaway or a long haul, backpacking adventure. Fro...
Culture Club: Rosemary Hennigan
20 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Author Rosemary Hennigan is the latest guest to join The Last Word for the Culture Club!She chats to Matt about her favourite music, movies, TV shows ...
Will Changes To Work From Home Rules Convince Employees To Change Jobs?
20 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
A new survey conducted by Morgan McKinley has found that employers reversing rules regarding work from home arrangements has increased their considera...
Personal Finance: 25 Per Cent Rise In Everyday Costs Over Last 5 Years
20 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week on The Last Word, Charlie Weston, personal finance editor with the Irish Independent, looks at how much people's day-to-day costs have incre...
The Last Word On The US: DOJ Sets Up $1.8B Fund That Could Go To Jan 6 Rioters
19 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The US Justice Department announced Monday that it was establishing a $1.776 billion fund to compensate Trump allies who claim they were targeted by t...
Ex-Garda Paul Moody Jailed For Four Years For Abuse Of Partner
19 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Former garda Paul Moody who abused and terrorised his former partner and the mother of his child over a number of years has been jailed for four years...
Legislation To Tackle Puppy Farms Brought To Cabinet
19 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
On Tuesday, Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon brought draft legislation to tackle puppy farms before Cabinet.The legislation proposes various new...
TV & Streaming: Will RTE Continue Eurovision Boycott Next Year?
18 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The Eurovision song contest took place in Vienna last week, with Bulgaria winning Saturday’s final with the song “Bangaranga”.But after Ireland ...
CCPC Warns Over Pitfalls Of Car Hire Abroad
18 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Following an survey of Irish holidaymakers' experiences of car hire abroad, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, it was found over 40% ...
The Last Word On Travel: A Guide To Visiting The Greek Islands
18 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Greece is home to more than 200 inhabited islands, many of which are very popular with Irish tourists.Kaitlin Murphy from thetravelexpert.ie joins The...
The Week Trending: Eurovision, Wordle, & The Mosquito That Killed Cromwell
15 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It's Eurovision week but this year there is no Irish entry and viewers in Ireland will have to switch to the BBC if they want to watch the final in Au...
What Does The Future Hold For RTE?
14 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Former government minister Shane Ross has written his latest book, looking back on the history of the national broadcaster.He reflects on past controv...
A Quarter Of World Cup Matches To Be Played In Temperatures Above 26 Degrees
14 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
World Weather Attribution has conducted a study which found that 25% of matches at this year’s FIFA World Cup are likely to be played in temperature...
Tech Thursday: Screenless Tech Wearables
14 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week for Tech Thursday, Andy O'Donoghue joins The Last Word to discuss some of the latest screenless wearable tech amid increasing demand for scr...
Culture Club: David Gray
13 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Ahead of bringing his Past & Present Tour to Dublin's Fairview Park & the SSE Arena in Belfast, David Gray joins Daniel McConnell on for The L...
Bertie Ahern Backtracks On Immigration Comments
13 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Bertie Ahern has said he has 'no problem' with people from Africa or the Congo as he rolls back on comments he made during a recent canvas in Dublin C...
Seamas O'Reilly On His Debut Novel
12 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Author Seamas O'Reilly talks to Matt about his debut novel, Prestige Drama. Set in Derry, it tells the story of a Hollywood star coming to town to res...
The Last Word On The US: Trump To Visit China As Iran War Rumbles On
12 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
US President Donald Trump will this week make a state visit to China with the Strait of Hormuz, tariffs and Taiwan all likely to be on the agenda duri...
VFI Warn Rising Costs Will Lead To Closure Of Rural Pubs
12 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The Vintners’ Federation of Ireland has warned that rural pubs in Ireland are facing an “existential threat” due to rising costs, citing 2,500 c...
The Last Word on TV & Streaming: The Bear to End with Season 5
11 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Elaine Burke and Kate Henshaw join Matt to talk about the biggest tv news and releases of the week.They chat about The Bear, Amandaland and more Hit P...
Just 3% Of People In Ireland Cycle Daily
11 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
New research by RedClick has found that just 3% of people in Ireland cycle every day and highlights the barriers that cyclists face on Irish roads.Sho...
More Than 30 Council Bought Vacant Properties Lying Neglected
11 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
There are more than 30 council-owned properties currently lying in states of dereliction.Joining Matt to discuss what can be done to bring these prope...
The Last Word On Travel: Off The Beaten Track In Europe's Hotspots
11 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Sarah Slattery from thetravelexpert.ie joins The Last Word to chat about some great lesser known destinations in Europe's hotspots. Sarah's recommenda...
The Week Trending: Hantavirus, Attenborough Turns 100 & Pre-flight Pints
08 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Some of the stories dominating the news this week included the cruise ship hantavirus outbreak, the 100th birthday of legendary British environmentali...
The Last Word On Movies: Should Stars Of Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey Have American Accents?
07 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Brian Lloyd joins The Last Word to review the week's biggest movie releases, 'Mortal Kombat II' and 'The Sheep Detectives'.He also discusses the lates...
Environment: David Attenborough Turns 100
07 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Broadcaster & natural historian David Attenborough will celebrate his 100th birthday this week, and on Thursday’s environment slot, John Gibbons...
Tech Thursday: The Pivot From Fitness To Wellness Gadgets
07 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Andy O'Donoghue runs through the latest wellness tech, that pivot away from fitness towards deep rest and relaxation. From smart lamps, fitness rings,...
Culture Club: Jess Kav
07 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Singer songwriter Jess Kav is the latest guest on The Culture Club.She joins The Last Word to chat about her favourite music, movies, TV and more. Cat...
Ireland Has The Highest Electricity Prices In Europe
06 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor of The Irish Independent, outlines the latest Eurostat survey of electricity prices across Europe.Charlie also...
Michael O’Leary Urges Ban On Early Morning Airport Drinking As Bad Behaviour Rises
06 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary has said that a ban on serving alcohol in the early hours of the morning should be implemented in airports in order to ...
The Last Word On The US: US & Iran Risk Slipping Back Into All Out War
05 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has insisted that the ceasefire with Iran is not over despite renewed attacks by the Iranians.Marion McKeone and Lar...
Should Ireland Switch To Nuclear Power?
05 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Earlier this week, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said that Ireland should explore the idea of using nuclear power in order to reduce our reliance on fossi...
The Week Trending: Fewer Marriages, Tipping Culture & Bad Behaviour on Planes
01 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week on The Week Trending TodayFm News Reporter Emily Keegan and head of training at the Communications Clinic Lorcan Nyhan join Matt to discuss ...
Why Is The M50 So Congested And How Can It Be Fixed?
01 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Over the next four weeks, researchers at the Trinity Centre for Transport Research are surveying the opinions of M50 users on how congestion on the mo...
What Next For Patrick Kielty And The Late Late Show?
01 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
As the latest series of The Late Late Show comes to an end, rumours of Patrick Kielty’s exit have swirled throughout the week.If he did step aside, ...