The Last Word with Matt Cooper

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, ...

The Last Word On Movies: The Devil Wears Prada 2

30 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Cara O’Doherty joins Matt on The Last Word to review the much-anticipated The Devil Wears Prada 2, starring Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Stanley Tuc...

Filmmaker David Gleeson On His Love Letter To Irish Cinemas

30 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Filmmaker David Gleeson joins The Last Word to discuss his latest feature film 'Once Upon A Time In A Cinema' which is based on his own family's exper...

Is This The End For LIV Golf?

30 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

With the news that the Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is pulling out of funding LIV golf, many are questioning if this spells the endSports w...

The Last Word on the Environment: Are Solar Panels For You?

30 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

John Gibbons joins Matt to discuss the biggest stories of the week for The Last Word on the Environment.They discuss the Nature Restoration Plan, sola...

Tech Thursday: How To Recognise AI Deepfakes

30 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Tánaiste Simon Harris expressed concern about Artificial Intelligence deepfakes after a 'highly convincing' video falsely portraying him a...

Culture Club: Peter O’Brien

29 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Designer Peter O'Brien joins Matt for this week’s Culture Club on The Last Word.Peter is participating in this year’s ‘Incognito’ campaign, wh...

Katriona O'Sullivan on Her New Book Hungry & Her Journey To Love Her Body

29 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Professor of Psychology and Author Katriona O'Sullivan joins Matt to discuss her new book Hungry: A Biography of My BodyShe gives us a sense of the bo...

Tánaiste Simon Harris On Govt Response To Fuel Crisis

29 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris joins The Last Word to discuss the government's response to the ongoing fuel crisis. Catch the full ch...

Lesley Bond on Her New Book and Life on the Blasket Islands

28 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Author Lesley Bond sits down with Matt to discuss her new memoir Blasket Bound.We hear about her once-in-a-lifetime experience working as caretaker on...

The Last Word On The US: Jimmy Kimmel Defends Melania 'Expectant Widow' Joke

28 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

As the fallout continues from Saturday's shooting incident White House Correspondents' Dinner, US late night host Jimmy Kimmel has defended a joke, wh...

Calls For Tax Relief On Children's Sports Club Memberships

28 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Fianna Fáil TD and former Kilkenny hurler Peter 'Chap' Cleere is calling for the introduction of a 20% tax relief on children’s sports memberships ...

The Inside Story Of The Investigation Into The Murder Of Tina Satchwell

28 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The disappearance of Tina Satchwell in March 2017 from her home in Youghal, Co. Cork was one that gripped the nation. Her husband, Richard, was convic...

World Marathon Record Broken as Two Runners Finish in London in Under Two Hours

27 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The world record for fastest marathon was broken as two runners finished in London in under two hours Sabastian Sawe finished the race in 1 hour 59 mi...

King Charles Touches Down in Washington in wake of Correspondents Dinner Shooting

27 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

King Charles and Queen Camilla have begun their visit to the US in the wake of the shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner.Joining Matt wit...

The Last Word on Travel: Marrakech, Morocco

27 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This week on The Last Word on Travel Sarah Slattery of takes us through the top tips for MarrakechShe brings us all you need to know when planning a t...

Govt Considering One-Off Payments For Heat Pumps To Help Households With Energy Costs

27 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Government is looking at providing one-off payments for energy saving home upgrades such as heat pumps and efficient cars to help households becom...

The Week Trending: Ryder Cup Tickets, Online Learning & Far-Right Conspiracies

24 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This week for The Week Trending, Matt is joined by Journalist Kate Henshaw and Managing Director at the Communications Clinic Eoghan McDermott to disc...

Number Of US Troops Passing Through Shannon Airport Up By 80%

24 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

New figures obtained by The Irish Times has shown that the number of United States troops travelling through Shannon Airport increased by almost 80% b...

Ruth Medjber On Her 2026 Census

24 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Photographer Ruth Medjber is well known for her music photography and her distinctive portraits, but in 2026 she has taken on a whole new challenge.Fo...

The Last Word On Movies: Michael Jackson Biopic 'Michael'

23 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Michael Jackson biopic 'Michael' is out in cinemas this weekend. The film, which is predicted to have the biggest opening weekend of any music bio...

The Last Word on the Environment: Climate Change Making Hayfever Worse

23 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This week on The Last Word on the Environment, John Gibbons tells us how climate change is making your hayfever worseThey also discuss the government...

What Does The Future Look Like For Apple After Tim Cook Steps Down?

23 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Apple announced that Tim Cook would be stepping down as its CEO after nearly 15 years in the role, with head of hardware engineering, John ...

Culture Club: Gavan Reilly

22 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Gavan Reilly, political correspondent with Virgin Media and presenter of Monday With Gavan Reilly, is the latest guest to join The Last Word for the C...

Ryder Cup Tickets Priced At Almost €500 Per Day

22 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Tickets for the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor will go on sale for Irish golf fans this Friday and on Wednesday, the the cost of attending the competit...

Jan Carson Reimagines A Plan To Drain Lough Neagh In Latest Novel

21 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In 1958, Northern Ireland Prime Minister Terence O'Neill had a plan to drain Lough Neagh. In her latest novel, Few And Far Between, Jan Carson has ima...

The Last Word On The US: FBI Director Files Lawsuit Against The Atlantic

21 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

FBI Director Kash Patel has filed a defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic after the publication reported allegations of "excessive drinking and unex...

How A Cheating Scandal Shocked The World Of Irish Dancing

21 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In 2022, journalist Ellen Coyne revealed that teachers and judges involved in Irish dancing had been accused of “feis-fixing”, after information s...

The Rise Of The Trillion Dollar ‘Longevity’ Industry

20 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Part II of “Young Forever: The Death of Ageing?” airs on RTE on Monday night, in which presenter Kathryn Thomas explores the lengths people are wi...

Daniel Kinahan Set To Appear Before Dubai Court

20 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Conor Lally, Crime and Security Editor of the Irish Times, explains that as yet, it is not known the exact charges that Daniel Kinahan would face in I...

The Last Word On Travel: Destinations From Shannon Airport

20 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Sarah Slattery from thetravelexpert.ie joins The Last Word to chat about some of the great destinations Irish holidaymakers can fly to from Shannon Ai...

The Week Trending: Daniel Kinahan Arrest, FF Heave Falls Short & Hegseth Goes Tarantino

17 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In a breaking news story, cartel boss Daniel Kinahan has been arrested in Dubai on foot of an arrest warrant issued by the Irish courts in relation to...

Redevelopment Scheme For Run Down Properties In Urban Centres Extended

17 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Living City Initiative, which aims to encourage the redevelopment of rundown properties in Ireland, will now be applicable in Athlone, Drogheda, D...

Environment: Should The Carbon Tax Be Scrapped?

16 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

As people continue to be impacted by the price of fuel, there have been calls for the carbon tax to be scrapped. However, if that were to happen, how ...

Irish Rail To Increase Security After Increase In Anti-Social Behaviour

16 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Irish Rail will increase security on board its services after incidents of racial abuse, violence and drunken behaviour were reported by passengers la...

Tech Thursday: The Latest In Smart Home Monitoring

16 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Innovative home security devices are not just about monitoring for potential intruders, but can also send alerts of leaks or fire in the home.From sma...

Culture Club: Megan Walsh

15 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Singer Megan Walsh joins The Last Word for the Culture Club. The former member of Celtic Woman has just brought out her first solo single 'Mo Chroí'....

Jack Crowley On Munster's Aims For The Rest Of The Season

15 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

On Wednesday’s The Last Word, Will O’Callaghan speaks to Munster and Ireland outhalf Jack Crowley.Crowley is playing off the back of an impressive...

Homeowners Turn To Renovations As Housing Shortage Makes Moving Unaffordable

15 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

New research by Core Research as part of the Credit Union Consumer Sentiment Survey has found that homeowners have resorted to carrying out home impro...

The Last Word On Music: Moya Brennan Remembered

15 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

On Tuesday, the death was announced of renowned singer, songwriter and harpist Moya Brennan. From Gaoth Dobhair in Co. Donegal, Brennan was a member o...

The Last Word On The US: Trump Accused Of Sacrilege

14 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Donald Trump has been accused of sacrilege after he posted an AI image depicting him as Jesus Christ on social media.The US president is facing the wr...

How To Deal With Ongoing Anxiety

14 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Author and podcaster Caroline Foran has written “Everything I Wish I’d Known About Anxiety: A Roadmap Back to Yourself”, in which she provides a...

Hungary Elections: Viktor Orbán Loses Power After 16 Years

13 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In a historic election over the weekend Viktor Orbán has lost power in Hungary. For the first time in 16 years Hungary will have a new leader.Joining...

The Last Word on Sport: Is Arsenal's Premier League Campaign Collapsing?

13 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Today on The Last Word on Sport Chief Football Writer at The Independent Miguel Delaney and Off The Ball's Will O'Callaghan join Daniel McConnell to d...

The Last Word On Travel: Long Haul Destinations That Avoid The Middle East

13 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

With the ongoing unrest in the middle east, many holidaymakers considering a long haul trip are looking for alternative travel destinations. Sarah Sla...

Separating the Art from the Artist: When Creators Become Morally Troubling

10 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Hotpress Film Editor, Roe McDermott, talks to Matt about her lecture series at the IFI, where she explores the idea of morally troubling artists or fi...

Tech Thursday: Energy Saving Gadgets

10 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Andy O'Donoghue joins The Last Word to chat about some of the best tech gadgets on the market to help manage home energy usage. Catch the full chat by...

Culture Club: Owen Roe

08 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Actor Owen Roe is the latest inductee into The Last Word Culture Club. He talks to Matt about his latest role in RTÉ's series, The Hardacres. He also...

Can Rory McIlroy Retain The Masters?

08 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This weekend, Rory McIlroy will hope to become only the fourth man in history to successfully defend the green jacket.Gavin Cooney, journalist with th...

US & Iran Agree Ceasefire Deal - What's Next?

08 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The US and Iran struck a deal late on Tuesday for a two-week ceasefire to allow negotiations to proceed and to see the Strait of Hormuz reopened.Howev...

U2 Release New EP “Easter Lily”

07 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Last Friday, U2 released a 6-track EP “Easter Lily”. It follows the band’s previous EP “Days of Ash”, which came out in February and was dee...

The Rise Of Toxic Overconfidence

07 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Professor Ian Robertson, Neuropsychologist and author of How Confidence Works, explains why we are experiencing a rise in displays of toxic overconfid...

The Last Word On The US: Trump Says 'A Whole Civilization Will Die Tonight' If No Iran Deal

07 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

US President Donald Trump has threatened that "a whole civilization will die tonight" if Iran does not agree to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.Cal Thomas...

Is There A Quick Fix For Ireland’s Congestion Problems?

07 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Congestion and commuting issues are becoming increasingly prominent across towns and cities in Ireland. What options are available to those who have t...

How The Pandemic Changed Irish Drinking Habits

07 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

More people are drinking alcohol at home instead of going to the pub, according to new research from Drinkaware.Dearbhla O’Brien, chief executive of...

What Makes Rory McIlroy So Compelling For Sports Fans?

02 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Last year, Rory McIlroy completed the career Grand Slam when he won The Masters at Augusta after a rollercoaster weekend.But why are sports fans so dr...

Culture Club: David Kitt

01 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Singer David Kitt joins Matt for this week’s Culture Club on The Last Word.David is celebrating the release of “The Big Romance (Kittser’s Versi...

A New Book Tells The Story Of Sean Lemass In His Own Words

01 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Journalist Ronan McGreevy joins The Last Word to discuss his new book 'Seán Lemass: The Lost Memoir', a biography that is largely based on 22 hours o...

How To Reduce The Impact The Middle East Conflict Has On Your Finances

01 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

A Credit Union Consumer Sentiment Survey has shown that many consumers are bracing themselves for their finances to take a hit as the war in the Middl...

What Does The Iran War Mean For Air Travel?

01 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary has warned that there will be disruptions to the supply of jet fuel by early May if the Iran war continues.Paul Hackett, v...

Djamel White On His Thrilling Debut Novel Set In Dublin's Gangland

31 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

'All Them Dogs' by Djamel White is one of the most eagerly anticipated Irish debut novels of 2026.It follows a young man who returns to west Dublin an...

The Last Word On The US: White House Says Iranian Leaders Are Dead Because They Strung Trump Along

31 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Amid the ongoing war in Iran, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has said that high-ranking Iranian officials were killed because they “st...

Unions Warn War In Middle East Could Lead To Another Cost Of Living Crisis

31 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions has said that the government needs to take action to combat the impact of inflation on workers and the unemployed i...

Donegal Crowned National Football League 2026 Champions

30 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

On Sunday, Donegal were 3-20 to 2-10 winners over Kerry to win the National Football League for only the second time in their history.Have Jim McGuinn...

TV & Streaming: Peak Audience Of 1.6m People Tuned Into Czechia v Ireland

30 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Ireland’s World Cup play-off semi-final vs Czechia attracted an average of 1.37 viewers last Thursday night, with peak numbers hitting 1.6m just as ...

Shorter School Days Under Review As TDs Call For More 'Holistic' Education Model

30 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Shorter school days and more breaks for students have been recommended by the Oireachtas education committee, which recently looked at how Ireland cou...

Last Word On Travel: Latest Travel Deals Including Sorento, Marrakesh, And Mediterranean Cruises

30 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Sarah Slattery, thetravelexpert.ie, has all the last minute getaway deals for April, with trips including Sorento, Marrakesh and Mediterranean cruises...

Ireland's World Cup Dream Is Over After Defeat To Czechia

27 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

On Thursday night, Ireland's hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup ended after they lost to Czechia on penalties in the playoff semi-final at the...

The Week Trending: Ireland's World Cup Heartbreak; Chappell Roan Fan Controversy; Keoghan Hits Back At Trolls

27 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Heartbreak for the Boys in Green after loss to Czechia in penalties brings Ireland's world cup dreams to an end. Pop star Chappell Roan faces signific...

The Last Word On Movies: Stephen Colbert To Adapt New Lord Of The Rings Movie

26 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Stephen Colbert will sign off as host of The Late Show in the United States later this year but it appears he won't have much down time as he is set t...

More Younger People Joining AA In Ireland

26 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Younger people in Ireland are joining Alcoholics Anonymous. Ahead of an event in Galway, Matt talks to Melanie and John, two members of Ireland Young ...

How The War In The Middle East Impacts The Environment

26 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Since March, bomb and missile strikes have released a mix of chemicals and other pollutants into the air in the Middle East, which experts have said c...

Tech Thursday: Sky To Take Legal Action Against End Users of 'Dodgy Boxes'

26 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Andy O'Donoghue explains the legal action being taken by Sky to crack down on the end users of dodgy boxes.He also has all the details of two historic...

Culture Club: John Gibbons

25 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

To mark five years of his weekly environment slot, John Gibbons joins The Last Word for the Culture Club.He chats to Matt about his favourite music, b...

Children's Hospital Deadline To Be Missed For 18th Time

25 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

The latest completion date for the new national children's hospital will not be met, making it the 18th time that the deadline has been missed, the Oi...

Personal Finance: Have Fuel Prices Started To Fall After Tax Cuts?

25 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Temporary reductions on fuel taxes came into effect at midnight on Wednesday, with the price of diesel and petrol dropping by 20c and 15c per litre re...

The Last Word On The US: Trump Claims US Is Holding Talks With Iran To End War

25 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Donald Trump claimed that the USA is in talks with Iran to end the war in the Middle East. But are these claims to be believed?Cal Thomas a...

Rory Carroll On The Two Year Man Hunt For Roger Casement

24 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Rory Carroll, Ireland Correspondent for the Guardian, speaks to Matt about his book A Rebel And A Traitor: A Fugitive, the Manhunt and the Birth of th...

Full Irish, Hollier and As Sure Look Added To Oxford English Dictionary

24 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Colm O'Regan, comedian and author of Gallivanting With Words: How The Irish Speak English, discusses the latest Irish additions to the Oxford English ...

What Are The New Mortgage Switching Rules?

24 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

New rules for switching mortgages in Ireland were introduced on Tuesday which will see lenders having to clearly explain switching options and send re...