The Last Word with Matt Cooper
Episodes
The Week Trending: Olympic Rowers Hitch a Lift to Cork, Starmer Vs Musk and Vienna Bomb Plot Foiled
09 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Orla Ryan of the Journal.ie and Today FM's Cathal O'Sullivan joins Nathan Murphy to discuss the week's top trending topics from olympics to riots acro...
Stardust Relatives To Get Compensation Package Of €24m
09 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Nicky Ryan and Christine Bohan, co-authors - with Sean Murray - of The Last Disco, discuss how the families of the 48 victims of the Stardust fire pur...
Garda Commissioner Turns Down Contract Extension
09 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has reportedly turned down a contract extension and will leave his position next year.Conor Lally, Crime and Security E...
What Can The Irish Justice System Learn From The Aftermath Of The UK Riots?
08 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Conor Hanly, Law Lecturer at the University of Galway and criminologist Trina O’Connor joined Frank Greaney to discuss how quickly the UK legal ...
Tech Thursday: Back to School Technology
08 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
With August slipping away it's time to talk back to school tech.Tech journalist, Andy O’Donoghue joins Frank Greaney to discuss the best back to sch...
What Would A Harris/Walz Victory Mean For The Environment?
08 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Frank Greaney was joined by John Gibbons for this week’s environment slot.Up for discussion was how a Kamala Harris/Tim Walz victory may impact clim...
Donohoe Publishes Mid-Year Performance Review
08 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Pascal Donohoe, joins Frank Greaney following the publication of Ireland's mid-year expenditure performanc...
Culture Club: Clodagh Lawlor
07 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Clodagh Lawlor, one of Ireland's youngest award-winning Country Music stars joins Matt for this week's Culture Club.For the full conversation, hit the...
Coca Cola Sees Drop In Irish Sales In First Six Months Of 2024
07 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sarah McGuinness, Assistant News Editor with the Business Post joined Matt for Wednesday’s business news. They discussed how Coca- Cola HBC has has ...
Donal Ryan Returns To North Tipperary For Latest Novel
07 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Irish author Donal Ryan discusses his latest book, Heart, Be At Peace, where he returns to the terrain and characters of his debut novel, The Spinning...
Number Of Secondhand Homes For Sale Down 50% In Ten Years
07 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Joanne Geary, Managing Director, MyHome.ie, discusses the latest analysis on the second hand housing market.Dara Keogh, CEO of GeoDirectory, outlines ...
The Last Word on the US: Harris announces Minnesota Governor, Tim Walz, as VP pick
06 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Following the news that Kamala Harris has selected her VP pick, Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone join Matt to discuss the latest updates in US politics.F...
The Best Music To Appear In TV Shows
06 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this week’s music slot, Matt was joined by John Caddell and Dave Hanratty, host of the No Encore Podcast. They talked about iconic TV moments tha...
Cyber Attack Threat Greater Over The Next Two Years
06 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The National Cyber Security Centre has published a plan on how to deal with future cyber emergencies that may occur in Ireland.Richard Browne, Directo...
After the Defeat of Daina Moorehouse, What Does the Future Hold for Boxing at the Olympics?
02 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Following the controversial defeat of Ireland's Daina Moorehouse at the Paris Olympics, Gavan Casey, Sportswriter at The42.ie joins the Last Word to...
The Week Trending: US-Russia Spy Swap, Olympic Boxing Controversy and Sapian Getting Hollywood Treatment
02 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
After a busy week in the world of new, current affairs and pop culture, Kieran Cunningham, Chief Sports Writer, Irish Daily Star and Edel Coffey, writ...
National Youth Council Of Ireland Calls For More Budget Funding To Combat Far Right Influencers
02 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The National Youth Council of Ireland has released its pre-budget submission suggesting that more money should be invested in young people.Kathryn Wal...
My Uncle, Donald Trump: Fred Trump on his new book, his uncle's campaign and his son William
01 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Fred Trump, author of All In The Family: The Trumps And How We Got This Way and nephew of former President and Republican nominee Donald Trump, joins ...
Sinn Féin Says It Will Deliver Starter Homes In Dublin for €300,000
01 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Eoin O Broin, Sinn Féin TD and spokesperson on housing outlined the details of Affordable Homes Plan and how the party believes it can deliver starte...
Trump Makes Racist Dig at Kamala Harris at National Convention for Black American Journalists
01 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Following remarks made by former president Trump last night, where he said Kamala Harris only recently "turned black", Law Professor with the Universi...
What Is Earth Overshoot Day?
01 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Earth Overshoot Day 2024, the temperatures at this year’s Olympics and how climate change is impacting tea and coffee supplies were just some of the...
Culture Club: Lynne Parker
31 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Lynne Parker, artistic director of Rough Magic Theatre Company, joins The Last Word for The Culture Club where she discusses her favourite cultural ch...
Bank Of Ireland Makes €1.1bn Profit In First Six Months Of The Year
31 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Bank of Ireland has reported a profit of €1.1bn profit before tax in the first half of 2024, an increase of 5 per cent, helped by higher interest ra...
New Routes & Airport Links Included In New Rail Plan
31 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Transport Minister Eamon Ryan today published the All-Island Rail Review which aims to “significantly” reduce train journey times and increase the...
US - Donald Trump Suggests He'll End Elections If He Returns To The White House
30 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Cal Thomas, nationally syndicated US columnist, and Larry Donnelly, law lecturer at University of Galway and political columnist with The Journal, joi...
New York Times Best Seller Mixed A Thriller With Crime and Romance
30 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Author Chris Whitaker discusses his latest novel, All The Colours Of The Dark.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button below
CMAT Nominated For Mercury Prize
30 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Irish singer CMAT has been nominated for this year’s Mercury Prize for her album Crazymad, For Me.Dee Reddy and John Caddell spoke to Matt about tha...
Fine Gael TD Michael Ring Will Not Contest Next General Election
30 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Fine Gael TD for Mayo Michael Ring has announced that he will not contest the next general election after serving for 30 years in Dáil Eireann.He spo...
The Last Word on Travel: The Dolomites
30 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Dolomites mountain range in Italy can be a year round destination with hiking and cycling in the summer and skiing in the winter. Sinéad Kennedy,...
The Last Word on TV and Streaming: Saipan Row to be made into a movie starring Steve Coogan and Eanna Hardwicke
29 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Joe O'Shea and Elaine Burke join The Last Word to discuss this weeks top picks in TV and streaming as well as a review of the Olympic Opening Ceremony...
Tributes Continue to Pour in for Edna O'Brien
29 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Tributes are continuing to pour out for Irish writer Edna O'Brien who passed away over the weekend.Journalist, Lara Marlowe and film maker and writer ...
Sarah Lavin & Shane Lowry Selected As Ireland’s Flag Bearers For Olympics Opening Ceremony
26 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sinead O’Carroll, Editor of TheJournal.ie, joined Matt to talk about the stories that have been making headlines ahead of the 2024 Olympic Games.Up ...
NTA To Consider CCTV And Other Safety Measures In Taxis After Shorten Conviction
26 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Jim Waldron, Spokesperson for the National Private Hire and Taxi Association, discussed the reviews into passenger safety measures in taxis after the ...
A Guide To Retrofitting Your Home
26 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you considered retrofitting your home, but you're not sure of the steps involved in the process?Matt was joined by Dr. Ciaran Byrne, the SEA...
What Are Team Ireland’s Medal Prospects At The Paris Olympics?
25 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
133 Irish athletes will take part in this year’s Paris Olympics, but which events do we have the best medal hopes in?Matt spoke to Gavin Cooney, Spo...
Raymond Shorten To Spend 30 Years In Prison For Sexual Offences
25 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Frank Greaney, Today FM courts correspondent, joins The Last Word to discuss the second sentencing of the taxi driver Raymond Shorten. In June, Shorte...
How Technology Has Revolutionised The Olympic Games
25 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Andy O'Donoghue explained how technology in sport has evolved to revolutionised sporting events such as Wimbledon and The Olympic Games. To catch the ...
Climate Activists Glue Themselves To The Ground At Frankfurt Airport
25 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Environmental commentator John Gibbons joined Matt for The Last Word’s weekly environment slot. up for discussion was climate protests at Frankfurt ...
Culture Club: Willie White
24 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Willie White, director of the Dublin Theatre Festival, joins The Last Word for the Culture Club.He discusses his favourite music, movies, tv and of co...
New Book Shines A Light On The Misogyny At The Heart Of The Kennedy Dynasty
24 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Maureen Callahan, journalist and author of Ask Not: The Kennedys and the Women They Destroyed, talks about her expose of the generations of men from t...
RTÉ To Receive €725m In Public Funding Over The Next Three Years
24 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Cabinet have approved a deal on the future funding of RTÉ which will see the broadcaster receive €725 million in public money over three years.Ian ...
Climate Plans To Reduce Car Use Deemed ‘Unfair’
24 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Department of Finance officials have advised the government that congestion charges and car parking levies should not be implemented in Ireland until ...
US With Cal And Marion - Kamala Harris Begins Her Presidential Campaign
24 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Cal Thomas, nationally syndicated US columnist, and Marion McKeone, US correspondent with The Business Post, join The Last Word to discuss US Presiden...
What Is Brat Summer?
23 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this week’s music slot, Matt wanted to know what ‘Brat Summer’ is, following the recent release of Charli XCX’s new album ‘Brat’. Dee R...
July 21st The Hottest Day Ever Recorded Globally
23 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sunday 21 July was the hottest day ever recorded globally, according to preliminary data from the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service.A...
Coronavirus Levels Hit 2021 High
23 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Covid-19 infection rates are as high as they were during the 2021 winter surge.Matt spoke to Monaghan GP Dr. Illona Duffy about the impact that the vi...
Ryanair Set To Slash Summer Prices After Profits Slide
23 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
AN interesting set of results from the first quarter of the financial year for Ryanair as they see profits slide.Will this mean summer fares will be s...
Clare Beat Cork In A Classic All-Ireland Hurling Final
22 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Clare became All-Ireland hurling champions for the fifth time in their history after they defeated Cork after extra-time at Croke Park. Matt and...
What Next? Joe Biden Bows Out Of 2024 US Presidential Race
22 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On Sunday, Joe Biden announced he is to step down from US presidential election.Matt was joined by Marion McKeone, US Correspondent with the Business ...
Taxi Driver Raymond Shorten Sentenced To 13 Years For Raping Child
22 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Frank Greaney, Today FM courts correspondent, joins The Last Word to give details on the sentencing of taxi driver Raymond Shorten for the rape of a s...
Should Politicians Be Photographed With Pints?
22 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Matt is joined this week by Lise Hand and Ben Finnegan to discuss the trending topics of the week. Should Politicians be photographed with pints...
Is Joe Biden About To Quit The US Presidential Race?
19 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Larry Donnelly, Law Lecturer at University of Galway & Political Columnist with TheJournal.ie and US Correspondent with the Business Post, Marion ...
Should Inheritance Tax Be Cut In Budget 2025?
19 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Barra Roantree from Trinity College Dublin and Minister of State for Financial Services, Neale Richmond join Matt to discuss the likelihood of any cha...
Is Culling Cows The Answer To Climate Change?
18 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Leading food economists say reducing herds is not the way to go in the fight against climate change.Food economist Ciaran Fitzgerald and ecologist Pad...
Culture Club: Gearoid Farrelly
18 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Gearoid Farrelly joins Matt for this week's Culture Club ahead of his show at the Paddy Power Comedy Festival.
Tech Thursday: Coding Apps For Kids
18 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Andy O'Donoghue explains why learning coding is beneficial for kids and gives a run down of the best Apps to learn coding and how your kids can begin ...
Calls For Transport Forum After Antisocial Behaviour On bus Route In Limerick
18 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dermot O’Leary, General Secretary of the National Bus and Rail Union, joined Matt to discuss a number of antisocial incidents that have recently occ...
The Last Word On The Environment
18 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Should blockbuster movies that feature extreme weather events focus more on explaining the effects of climate change? That’s a question commentator ...
The Last Word on Business: Increase in office spaces being rented
17 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ian Guider of the Business Post joins Matt to discuss the top business stories of the day include a spike in office spaces being rented in DublinThe L...
The Last Word on the USA: JD Vance named Trump running mate
17 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Marion McKewon and Cal Thomas join Matt Cooper to discuss a busy week in American politics, including the attempted assassination of former president ...
How Can We Reduce Incidents Of Violence at GAA Games?
17 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
After gardaí were called to investigate an alleged assault at an under-15 hurling match in Co. Waterford this week, former President of the GAA Liam ...
Gardaí maintain presence in Coolock after protests
16 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Following violent protests that broke out at the former Crown Paints factory location in Coolock yesterday, 30 have been arrested and 19 charged in re...
Trump Promises To "Bring Country Together" After Assassination Attempt
16 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
"Trump has become the victim of the violence he did so much to fuel. But his shooting won't make him think twice about his approach to politics" Irish...
The Best Holiday Deals On Offer
16 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Where should you be jetting off to?Sarah Slattery has all the best deals on the market for your next summer break!
Calls For Increased Defence Forces Spending
15 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The State is due to spend €1.5bn annually on defence by 2028, but should that figure be increased? According to Fine Gael TD & Minister of State...
Garda Commissioner Calls For Graduated Penalty Points
12 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Matt is joined by James Lawless, the new Minister for State at the Department of Transport.The Junior Minister is on to speak about Drew Harris’ rec...
Government To Introduce Ban On XL Bully Dogs
12 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The government has announced that a ban on XL bully dogs will be implemented in two phases from October 2024 and February 2025.Matt spoke to Fianna Fá...
Is a 4 Day Working Week More Beneficial?
12 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have businesses successfully adopted the 4 day working week? Are there really any benefits for businesses?Matt speaks to Margaret Cox the Director of ...
Robert Fisk's Final Book Posthumously Published
12 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Nelofer Pazira-Fisk, documentary-maker and author discusses Night of Power, The Betrayal of the Middle East, written by her late husband, Robert Fisk
What Will A Trump Presidency Mean For The Environment?
11 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
John Gibbons is with us for The Last Word on the Environment.Trump is looking likely to win the US election in November, so what will that mean for cl...
Phone Charging Luggage — A Summer Must Have
11 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Andy O'Donoghue is with us to discuss the big Summer tech products.Carry-on luggage is getting an upgrade, now you can charge your phone with your car...
Should You Travel To Dubai?
11 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
With the planned release of Roscommon woman Tori Towey, International human rights lawyer David Haigh joined The Last Word to discuss the real dangers...
Less Homebuyers Choosing Fixed Rate Mortgages
10 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sarah McGuinness has this week’s business news.Are first time buyers getting choosing variable or fixed rate mortgages?We get an update on the Aer L...
Culture Club: Enda Walsh
10 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Playwright Enda Walsh is the latest inductee into the Culture Club, where he picked his favourite music, TV, films, books and loads more.Click the ‘...
Healy-Rae Calls For Social Media Companies To Be Held To Account Over False Information
10 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Independent TD Michael Healy-Rae talks about his impassioned plea in the Dáil yesterday, where he said 'derogatory' images of his late mother were pu...
Fans Outraged At Nicki Minaj 45 Minute Set
10 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Nicki Minaj turned up nearly 90 minutes late to her gig at Malahide Castle and only performed a 45 minute set.Fans are outraged and calling for refund...
President Biden Digs His Heels In
10 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone join Matt to discuss Biden's call into MSNBC to stop rumours that he is stepping down. Could he be replaced?And if so, b...
€8.3bn To Be Made Available In Budget 2025
09 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The government has published its Summer Economic Statement, indicating that €8.3bn will be available for spending in October’s budget.Minister for...
Disruption A Major Barrier To Retrofitting Homes
09 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Research conducted by the Economic and Social Research Institute has found that disruption and mess associated with retrofitting residential propertie...
Taxi Driver Convicted Of Raping Passengers Is Also Awaiting Sentencing For Raping A Seven Year Old Girl
09 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today FM courts correspondent Frank Greaney discusses the updates within the ongoing case of the taxi driver Raymond Shorten as new information has ar...
Who Is The New Leader Of The Green Party?
09 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Roderic O'Gorman has just been appointed the fourth ever leader of the Green Party in Ireland. He joins Matt to discuss his new role and the state of ...
Cork End Limerick’s Five-In-A-Row Bid
08 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Limerick’s bid for a historic 5 All-Ireland hurling titles in a row came to an end on Sunday when Cork defeated them in the semi-final on a 1-28 to ...
The Last Word On Travel: Coolcations
08 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week Sarah Slattery, from the travelexpert.ie, is taking us to Norway, Finland and other places to escape extreme heat.To catch up on the convers...
The Week Trending
05 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sarah McGuinness, Assistant News Editor with the Business Post and environmental commentator John Gibbons joined Matt for the Week Trending.They cover...
UK General Election: Labour Wins By A Landslide And Sinn Féin Becomes Northern Ireland's Largest Party
05 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Nick Ferrari, presenter of Nick Ferrari at Breakfast on LBC Radio, joins The Last Word to discuss Labour's landslide victory in the UK general electio...
Gym Equipment You Should Invest In
05 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you heard of the new app No Place?Andy O'Donoghue reveals all about the app that's reached number 1 in the app store as well as all tech tech upd...
The Myths Around Electric Vehicles
05 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
New Report says that people are aware of climate change but there is no urgency to do anything about it.John Gibbons joins Matt to discuss the finding...
Loudermilk Actor Starring In World Premiere at Galway International Arts Festival
04 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Mat Fraser, star of Loudermilk and American Horror Story, talks about the world premiere of Unspeakable Conversations, a play at this year's Galway In...
Sales Of Non-Alcoholic Beer Increased By 18% Last Year
04 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
New figures released by Drinks Ireland have shown that the sale of non-alcoholic beer grew by 18% in 2023, which is an almost 100% increase in market ...
Culture Club: Lucy Foley
04 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Matt is joined by best-selling author Lucy Foley on her latest thriller, Midnight Feast.
Canadian Tourist Dies Following Assault On O'Connell Street
04 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What updates are there to the investigation into this assault?Security and crime editor for the Irish Times Conor Lally, and Janet Horner, Green Party...
Hospitality Groups Urge Govt To Reintroduce 9% VAT Rate
03 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Hospitality groups are calling on the Government to reinstate the 9% reduced VAT charge for food services to help them manage increasing costs.Pat Cro...
Personal Finance: Revolut To Launch Irish Mortgages From 2025
03 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Revolut has indicated that it will begin offering mortgages in Ireland from as early as next year.In this week’s personal finance slot, Charlie West...
Who Could Replace Biden In Election Race?
03 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Marion and Cal join Matt to discuss the impact of the Supreme Court 'immunity' ruling for Trump.Plus what is the fall out after the leaders debate and...
What's Coming Up After The Era's Tour?
03 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
John and Dee are chatting all about the amazing list of artists performing over the summer! But will any of them come close to the hype of Taylor Swif...
Up To 53,000 New Homes Needed Per Year, ESRI Report Reveals.
02 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A new report from the Economic and Social Research Institute has shown that between 35,000 and 53,000 new homes will be needed to cope with population...
How To Address 'Epidemic' Of Violence Against Women
02 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In light of a number of recent court cases the Justice Minister Helen McEntee has said that there is an 'epidemic' of violence against women in Irelan...
Junior Minister Slammed Over Bid To Halt Dublin Traffic Plan
02 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Eimear Higgins has approached Dublin city council to pause the introduction of a traffic management plan due to concerns for the impact on jobs and re...
The Last Word on TV and Streaming: Former 'Brat-Packer' Makes Documentary On 80s Movie Stars
02 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What do you think of the RTE summer schedule?Elaine and Joe discuss the number of repeats on the RTE summer schedule, the scathing reviews of season 3...
The Last Word on Travel: Ibiza
01 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week Sarah Slattery, from the travelexpert.ie, is taking us off to Ibiza for this weeks last word on travel.To catch up on the conversation, clic...