The Last Word with Matt Cooper
Episodes
Personal Finance: Monthly Costs Of Owning A Car Hits New High
04 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Carzone’s 2026 Motoring Report has found that the average cost of running a car is now €224.40, which is a 6% increase on last year.Insurance prem...
The Last Word On The US: Bill And Hillary Clinton To Testify In Epstein Probe
03 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Former US president Bill Clinton and former secretary of state Hillary Clinton have agreed to testify in a US congressional investigation into the ...
The Week Trending: Beatlemania, 17 Days Of Rain, & AI Speech Writing
30 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week we got a taste of what to expect from the four upcoming biopics about The Beatles with the release of the first images of Paul Mescal, Barry...
The Last Word On The US: More Epstein Files To Be Released
30 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Marion McKeone joins Will O'Callaghan to discuss the latest release in relation to the Epstein Films, as 3 million more pages are published.Marion als...
The Last Word On The Environment: Why Dredging Won’t Solve Ireland’s Flooding Problems
29 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
As many parts of Ireland continue to experience severe flooding, there have been calls for dredging to be done to some rivers and streams to clear deb...
The Last Word On Tech: The Latest In EVs
29 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Andy O'Donoghue joins The Last Word to discuss the latest innovations in electric vehicles.From affordable cars with high scale features to ultra-luxu...
Culture Club: Leon Diop
28 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Leon Diop, co-founder of Black and Irish and author of Mixed Up: An Irish Boy’s Journey to Belonging is the latest inductee into the Culture Club.He...
How To Get Cheaper Car Insurance For 2026
28 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Has your car insurance premium risen since last year? Do you want to switch providers but aren't sure where to start? If so, Charlie Weston, Personal ...
Is Tipping Becoming Less Voluntary?
28 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Two thirds of consumers feel that tipping is becoming "less voluntary" while three out of four would like businesses to make it easier to opt out of t...
Paul Howard On Life After Ross O’Carroll-Kelly
27 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Writer Paul Howard joins Matt on The Last Word to talk about his experience of being a writer for season two of RTE’s dark comedy ‘SisterS’ whic...
Why Was A Criminal Case Brought Against Five Gardaí Over Traffic Tickets?
27 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
On Monday, a retired superintendent and four serving gardaí were found not guilty of perverting the course of justice, following an eight-week trial ...
The Last Word On The US: Trump Removes Border Control Chief From Minneapolis
27 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
US President Donald Trump seems to have changed tack on his immigration crackdown in Minneapolis as US Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino and some of ...
How AI Is Destroying Our Closest Relationships
26 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Artificial intelligence is becoming more prominent in our day-to-day lives, but are we ignoring how much it’s impacting us from a social perspective...
The Last Word On Travel: Camino Francés
26 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The Camino Francés is the most famous Camino De Santiago route stretching 800km across northern Spain, beginning in the French Pyrenees and ending in...
What Are The Rules And Regulations Around Scramblers?
26 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
There have been calls for tighter policing of scrambler bikes in Ireland after a 16-year-old girl died after being struck by one on Sunday afternoon.G...
What's Next For Metrolink?
23 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Sean Sweeney, programme director for Metrolink, joins The Last Word to give an update on the project's progress and to discuss the next steps.Catch th...
The Week Trending: Beckham V Beckham; O'Leary V Musk; & Prince Harry V The Daily Mail
23 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Brooklyn Beckham's explosive statement, issued late on Monday, kicked off a week of feuds which also saw Michael O'Leary take on Elon Musk and Prince ...
Denise Chaila On The Pressure Of The Spotlight & Her Return To Stage
22 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Musician and writer Denise Chaila joined The Last Word ahead of her upcoming show in Limerick City for St Brigid's Day, her first hometown performance...
Tech Thursday: Gear To Keep Motorists, Cyclists and Pedestrians Safe
22 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In the second part of his road safety special, Andy O'Donoghue has gear for every type or road user from motorist, to e-scooter user to pedestrian to ...
Culture Club: Tanya Sweeney
21 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Journalist and author Tanya Sweeney joined Matt for this week's instalment of The Last Word's Culture Club, as she celebrates the release of her debut...
Trump Demands 'Immediate Negotiations' For US Purchase Of Greenland
21 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
US President Donald Trump demanded "immediate negotiations" for the purchase of Greenland by the US and said he would not use force to take the island...
Gardaí To Be Given Powers To 'Spy' On Mobile Phones
21 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan has presented new legislation to Cabinet that will allow gardaí to use controversial technology to gain access to e...
How Ozempic Is Changing The World
20 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Journalist Aimee Donnellan, author of 'Off The Scales', joins The Last Word to talk about how the weight loss drug Ozempic was developed and why she s...
The Last Word On The US: Trump Looms Large Over Davos
20 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
World leaders have gathered in Davos for the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting which is taking place against the backdrop of escalating US-EU te...
Brooklyn Beckham Breaks Silence On Family Feud
20 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
On Monday, Brooklyn Beckham launched an attack on his parents, David and Victoria, claiming that he has been “controlled by a family that value publ...
EU Leaders React To Trump Tariff Threats
19 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
As Trump doubles down on this treat to impose tariffs on eight European countries if he is not allowed to buy Greenland, EU leaders are due to meet on...
The Last Word On Travel: Mexico
19 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
If you're looking to plan a trip to Mexico during 2026, Kaitlin Murphy from TheTravelExpert.ie has all the best tips and tricks to get the most o...
Black Market Cosmetic Treatments Leaving Teens With Permanent Damage
19 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Doctors who carry out aesthetic treatments like Botox and lip filler say that they are increasingly dealing with the fallout of botched procedures tha...
Calls For Longer Pub Openings If Ireland Qualifies For World Cup
16 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In order to qualify for the World Cup in the Summer, Ireland has to win two away games in March and April. The World Cup will take place in Mexico, Ca...
Ireland Set For More Extreme Weather As 2025 Was Third Hottest On Record
15 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week, the European Union Copernicus Climate Change Service reported that the past 11 years have been the warmest on record, with 2025 coming thir...
The Last Word On Tech: Cycling Safety Gear
15 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
From bike lights with built in radar to smart helmets with integrated lights, Andy O'Donoghue joins The Last Word to run through some of the best high...
School Leaders Call For Review Of Hot School Meals Programme
15 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Representatives from school management bodies have called for a full review of the Hot School Meals Programme as they claim that a failure to properly...
Culture Club: Joe Philpott
14 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Co. Cork musician Joe Philpott is the latest inductee into The Last Word's Culture Club.Hit the 'Play' button on this page to hear all of the choices ...
Switching To Own Brand Products Can Reduce Your Grocery Bill By Half
14 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Research conducted by Switcher.ie has found that a switch to own-brand products could save a family over €2,000 a year.With grocery prices rising at...
The Last Word On The US: Trump Vows 'Day Of Retribution' For Minnesota
13 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
US President Donald Trump has said that "the day of reckoning and retribution is coming" for Minnesota as the state is suing his administration over i...
The Price Of A Pint In Ireland Is Set To Increase… Again
13 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
On Tuesday, Diageo confirmed that it will increase the price of its pints from February 2nd.The cost will increase by 7 cent per pint (excluding VAT),...
Judge Criticised For Describing Dublin Cyclists As A “Nightmare”
13 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Judge James O’Donohoe reduced a €50,000 damages award by 80% to a cyclist who suffered a brain injury when he collided with a motorbike, saying th...
Brighton Knock Man United Out Of The FA Cup
12 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Brighton’s 2-1 defeat of Manchester United in Sunday’s FA Cup third round fixture at Old Trafford means United will play just 40 games in the 2025...
War Games: How Previous US Administrations Saw An End To The Maduro Regime
12 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Douglas Farah, President of IBI Consultants, a national security consulting firm based in Washington DC and former Washington Post journalist, was a p...
TV & Streaming: Most-Watched TV Shows In Ireland In 2025 Revealed
12 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The Traitors Ireland stormed into the top 10 most-watched TV shows in Ireland last year, with The Late Late Toy Show once again claiming top spot with...
The Last Word On Travel: The Best Of The January Travel Sales
12 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Sarah Slattery from thetravelexpert.ie joins The Last Word to run through some of the best travel deals to be found in the January sales. Catch the fu...
The Week Trending: 'Nudification' AI Tools, Scotland's World Cup Bank Holiday & More
09 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week on The Week Trending Matt is joined by Broadcaster and Author Aoife Barry and Sports Broadcaster Cathal Mullaney to discuss the week's bigge...
What Is The Future For The Irish Pub?
09 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Ireland has a great reputation for its hospitality both at home and abroad, and part of it is built on the appeal of the Irish pub.So, what appeals to...
The Last Word On The Environment: Mercosur Deal & Passenger Cap
09 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week on The Last Word on the Environment John Gibbons joins Matt to discuss Ireland's decision not to back the EU's Mercosur trade deal with Sout...
Protests Take Place In The US After Fatal Shooting Of Woman By ICE Agent
08 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Protests have taken place across the US after a 37-year-old woman was shot dead by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer on Wednesday.Reactin...
The Pros And Cons Of Vitamins And Other Supplements
08 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In the New Year many of us may be making lifestyle changes to improve our health, for some of us that may be taking supplementsTo find out the pros, c...
Tech Thursday: Are Foldable Phones Worth The Price?
08 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Andy O'Donoghue has been researching foldable phones, the latest of which is the Samsung Galaxy Z tri-fold phone, with a price tag of almost €3,000....
Culture Club: Dermot Bannon
07 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Architect and Room To Improve presenter Dermot Bannon is the latest inductee into the Culture Club.In this longer version of the interview, Dermot tal...
What Is The Future For Driverless Cars In Ireland?
07 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
With the news that the world's leading chip maker Nvidia is unveiling a new tech platform for self-driving cars and London set to introduce self drivi...
Does International Law Mean Anything Anymore?
07 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Matt is joined by Professor of Law at Queens University Belfast Aoife O'Donoghue to discuss the current state and future of international law in the w...
Quitting Smoking And Vaping Can Halve The Cost Of Your Life Insurance
07 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Research conducted by insurance company Royal London Ireland has found that quitting smoking – and vaping – can reduce the cost of your life insur...
The Last Word On Music: Most Anticipated 2026 Music Releases
07 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
From Confessions On A Dance Floor Part 2 to Charli XCX's Wuthering Heights inspired release, Dee Reddy and John Caddell run through the most anticipat...
Women Found To Lack Confidence In Long-Term Financial Planning
06 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
A new study from AIB shows that women disproportionately lack confidence in their long term financial planning and most do not feel confident enough t...
The Last Word On The US: Stephen Miller Refuses to Rule Out Military In Greenland
06 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This week on The Last Word on the US Matt is joined by syndicated columnist Cal Thomas and Journalist Marion McKeone to discuss the fallout from US in...
Concerns Raised Over Sexually Explicit Images Created On X
06 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Coimisiún na Meán has raised concerned with the European Commission about social media site X’s AI tool Grok being used to create sexually explici...
Manchester United Sack Ruben Amorim
05 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
On Monday, Manchester United announced that Ruben Amorim had been sacked as head coach of the club after 14 months in charge.The 40-year-old’s final...
Travel Trends for 2026
05 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Sarah Slattery from TheTravelExpert.ie speaks to Matt about what trends we can expect to see from Irish holidaymakers this year.Are peak summer months...
TV & Streaming: What To Watch In 2026
05 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Joe O’Shea and Elaine Burke join Matt to preview what programmes we can look forward to in 2026.Meanwhile, The Traitors returned to BBC One on New Y...
Nicolás Maduro Pleads Not Guilty To Drugs And Weapons Charges
05 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
On Monday, deposed Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro pleaded not guilty to charges against him including drug terrorism conspiracy, cocaine-importa...
The Last Word on Sport: 2025's Biggest Sport Stories
23 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Matt is joined by Will O'Callaghan to discuss the biggest sporting moments of 2025.From athletics to rugby, from Troy Parrott to Rory McIlroy they dis...
The Legacies Reel - Remembering Those We Lost In 2025
23 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As 2025 comes to a close, The Last Word pays tribute to all of those who have passed away throughout the year.That includes movie legends Robert Redfo...
The Last Word on TV & Streaming: What to Watch Over Christmas
22 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week on the Last Word on TV & Streaming, Joe O'Shea and Elaine Burke join Matt to give you the best recommendations for what to watch over Ch...
The Last Word On The US: Looking Back At 2025
22 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week on The Last Word on The US Matt is joined by Journalist Marion McKeone and Law Lecturer and Columnist Larry Donnelly to look back on the big...
Remembering Driving Home For Christmas Singer Chris Rea
22 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With news that Driving Home For Christmas singer Chris Rea has died age 74, John Caddell joins Matt to talk about his career and some of his biggest h...
Non-Fiction Books Of The Year With Paschal Donohoe And Lise Hand
19 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Paschal Donohoe, Managing Director of the World Bank and journalist Lise Hand return to give their non-fiction recommendations of the year. Their choi...
The Week Trending: Late Night Revellers Resort To Calling 999 Due To Taxi Shortage
19 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ambulance services are being abused by late night revellers who call 999 to get them home due to taxi shortages, according to paramedics; a primary sc...
Frank McNally On Being A 'Diary Farmer'
18 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Irish Times columnist and 'An Irish Diary' writer, Frank McNally talks to Matt about his early career in the civil service and how he got into journal...
The Last Word On Movies: Movies To Watch Over Christmas
18 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Brian Lloyd and Cara O'Doherty join The Last Word to recommend some great movies to watch over the Christmas period.From 'Saipan' and a brand new 'Kni...
The Last Word On The Environment: Good News in The Fight Against Climate Change
18 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
For The Last Word on the Environment this week John Gibbons joins Matt to give us some reasons to be cheerful in the fight against climate changeThey ...
The Last Word's Business Review of the Year
18 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Matt is joined by Ian Guider for the annual business review for 2025They look back on some of the biggest business news of the year Hit Play on this p...
Tech Thursday: Last Minute Christmas Presents
18 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's Tech Thursday Andy O'Donoghue give us suggestions for some last minute Christmas presentsAndy has suggestions for power banks, smart ho...
Culture Club: Cecelia Ahern
17 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Fresh from winning the Popular Book of the year at this year's An Post Irish Book Awards for her latest book Paper Heart, Cecelia Ahern joins Matt in ...
EU Looks To Regulate Airbnb In Bid To Address Housing Crisis
17 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The European Union is proposing a crackdown on Airbnbs and other short term rentals as part of a major plan to tackle the shortage of affordable homes...
Personal Finance: How to Get Bang For Your Buck On Christmas Food Shopping
17 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week on The Last Word on Personal Finance Charlie Weston gives give advice on how to minimise the cost of your family food shop this Christmas.We...
The Last Word On Music: The Best Albums Of 2025
17 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From Rosalia to the return of Pulp, John Caddell, Dee Reddy and Dave Hanratty join The Last Word to run through their picks for the best albums of 202...
The Last Word On The US: Trump Blasted For Attack On Rob Reiner After His Death
16 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
US President Donald Trump has been condemned for a social media post in which claimed that director and actor Rob Reiner and his wife Michelle were ki...
Taoiseach Confident of Leadership While Pressure Builds over Jim Gavin Debacle
16 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The big politics story of the day is storm that continues to swirl around Michael Martins leadership of his party as questions still remain over the h...
The Best Fiction Books Of 2025
15 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Edel Coffey, novelist and columnist, and Kevin Power, author and assistant professor at Trinity College Dublin, join The Last Word to discuss their pi...
The Last Word on 2025's Best TV & Streaming
15 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Matt is joined by Joe O'Shea and Elaine Burke to discuss the best tv and streaming of 2025.Joe and Elaine give a rundown of the finest tv of this year...
How is Antisemitism Rising In Ireland?
15 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the wake of the horrific attacks at a Hannukah event at Bondi beach, questions are being raised about the growth of antisemitism in Ireland and aro...
IFA President Tells Us Why He Is Travelling to Brussels by Tractor to Protest
15 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Irish Farmers Association, including President Francie Gorman and his 11 year old son, are travelling to Brussels to protest the EU- Mercosur trad...
The Week Trending: Housing Dept Deletes Ad With Advice For Adults Living With Parents
12 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Department of Housing this week deleted a video that offered advice for adults who find themselves moving back in with their parents; a second Iri...
Last Word Christmas Wine Tasting and Pairing Recommendations
12 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Brigid O'Hora, wine expert and author of the Home Sommelier, joins Matt in studio for her seasonal wine tasting, whether for Christmas dinner pairing ...
The Last Word On Movies: The Best Movies Of 2025
11 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Brian Lloyd and Cara O'Doherty join The Last Word to chat about their top movies from 2025.From the Oscar winning film The Brutalist to the classic co...
The Best Sports Books Of 2025
11 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Kieran Cunningham joins The Last Word as he and Matt run through their favourite sports books that were released in 2025.Hit the ‘Play’ button on ...
Tech Thursday: Christmas Gifts You Can Order Online
11 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There's still time to order Christmas present online and Andy O'Donoghue joins The Last Word to run through some tech gifts that everyone will love!He...
Culture Club: David Keenan
10 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Musician David Keenan is the latest guest on the Culture Club. David recently released his third album 'Modern Mythologies' and the making of the albu...
The Best Cookbooks of 2025
10 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Matt is joined by Russell Alford and Patrick Hanlon aka The Gastrogays to discuss the best cookbooks of 2025They give you all the recommendations you'...
How Can We Tackle Puppy Farms?
10 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today, the Dail debated a new bill from the Social Democrats aimed at tackling mistreatment of dogs at puppy farms.Matt is joined buy Social Democrats...
Why Are Electricity Costs So High?
10 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This winter many people have noticed their electricity costs increasing significantly but why are these prices so high and what can people do?Matt is ...
The Tastiest Beer To Enjoy This Christmas
09 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Judith Boyle, Lecturer in Beverages at TU Dublin is back with Matt on The Last Word and this time she’s got a selection of beers that can be enjoyed...
Kenova Report: UK Governement Urged to Reveal Identity of 'Stakeknife'
09 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Kenova report has been published and in it the independent inquiry has encouraged the UK Govern to officially reveal the identity of 'Stakeknife',...
What's Next for Mo Salah At Liverpool?
09 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
After his explosive comments over the weekend, including that his relationship with manager Arne Slot has broken down, what's next for one of Liverpoo...
Non-Alcoholic Drinks To Enjoy This Festive Season
08 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Christmas can be a time of excess, from the food to the presents and, of course, the alcohol. But Irish drinking patterns are changing, with more peop...
The Last Word on TV & Streaming: Golden Globe Nominations & Taylor Swift Doc
08 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week on The Last Word on TV & Streaming, Joe O'Shea and Elaine Burke join Matt to discuss the Golden Globe Nominations and Taylor Swifts new ...
How is 'Opaque Bidding' Contributing to the Housing Crisis?
08 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A new report from MyHome found that 'Opaque Bidding' is contributing to Ireland's housing.Another report from Sherry Fitzgerald also found that house ...
The Last Word on Travel: Christmas Presents
08 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week for The Last Word on Travel, The Travel Expert Sarah Slattery talks to Matt about the best deals on travel related Christmas presents.Sarah ...
Champions Cup 2025/26 Preview
05 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The new season of the Investec Champions Cup gets underway this weekend with Munster facing a tough test away to Bath and Leinster hosting Harlequins....
The Week Trending: Fifa Award Inaugural Peace Prize to Trump
05 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week on The Week Trending Matt is joined by Journalist Marion McKeone and Broadcaster Cathal Mullaney to talk about the weeks biggest trending st...
The Best Spirits To Drink This Christmas
04 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Last Word is beginning its countdown to Christmas and Judith Boyle, Beverages Lecturer at TU Dublin, joins Matt to showcase the best whiskeys and ...