The Last Word with Matt Cooper

Can Man United Stop City's Treble Bid In This Weekend's FA Cup Final?

03 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As Manchester City press on in their mission to acquire 3 major trophies in 2023, will Manchester United be able to rock the boat in the FA Cup Final?...

Philip Schofield Says He‘s Lost Everything

03 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In a BBC interview, Philip Schofield has said 'he's lost everything' following affair allegations. Dave Hanratty from the No Encore Podcast, and Roe ...

Ireland Will Miss Emissions Target By A Large Margin, EPA Says

03 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

According to a report released by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Irish Government will not reach it's projected climate targets for 20...

Is It Time To Ban Hare Coursing?

01 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The only instance in which it is legal to harm a hare in Ireland is when coursing. Is it time to put a stop to it? John Gibbons joined The Last Word ...

Almost 300 Complaints In 7 Months About Taxi Drivers Not Accepting Card

01 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The transport watchdog has received almost 300 complaints about taxi drivers not accepting card payments or not even having a card machine. Jim Waldr...

Ireland Amongst EU Countries With The Most Grown-Ups Living At Home

01 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Given the cost of housing and rent in Ireland, it's no surprise that Ireland is amongst the EU countries with the most adults living at home. Sarah M...

Everything You Need To Get On Your Bike This Summer

01 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

From locks to lights to the latest in training tech, Andy O'Donoghue joined us on The Last Word with the best gadgets to make the most of the summer w...

Culture Club: Avril Stanley

31 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On this week's Culture Club, it's the founder of Body & Soul Festival, Avril Stanley! She joined The Last Word. Catch the full chat by pressing the ...

Unemployment Is At An All Time Low

31 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ian Guider from The Business Post joined The Last Word with some good news regarding inflation and employment. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'P...

Drink Spiking Legislation Could Result In Up To 10 Years In Prison

31 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Outgoing Minister for Justice Simon Harris is to ask government colleagues not to oppose an amendment that would make drink-spiking a criminal offence...

Primary School Children To Have Counselling Services For The First Time

31 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Norma Foley joined The Last Word to discuss a new scheme giving counselling to primary school children. The pilot will be available in 7 counties ini...

How To Treat A Burst Ear Drum

30 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

How can you spot a burst ear drum? And if you have one, how would you treat it? On this week's health slot, Dr Brian Higgins, from Galway Primary Car...

Why Target And Budweiser Have Been Attacked By Conservatives

30 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Is the sky the limit on spending by the US government? Why are conservatives attacking Budweiser and target? US Correspondent with The Business Post,...

Abused, Pregnant At 15 And Homeless: How Katrina O’Sullivan Survived Her Childhood

30 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Katrina O'Sullivan is the author of Poor: Grit, Courage and the Life-Changing Value of Self Belief. She's a lecturer at Maynooth University and she jo...

Sale of Vapes to Under 18s To Be Banned This Summer

30 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The sale of vaping products to minors is to be banned this summer following cabinet approval, but what does this mean? Dr Garrett McGovern, GP Specia...

The Best Summer Travel Deals Around

29 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Our weekly travel spot continues. There are plenty of last-minute travel deals to be had! Sarah Slattery joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the f...

Are Insurance Companies Preventing Access To Vital Cancer Drugs?

29 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Patients could be missing out on cancer drugs due to some companies not paying out for them. Professor John Crown joined The Last Word to discuss. C...

Is Philip Schofield's TV Career Over?

29 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Revelations that Philip Schofield Lied About an Affair With a Much Younger Colleague have emerged in recent days. Does this signify the end of his car...

Munster Beat The Stormers In The URC Final

29 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Munster made history by winning the URC in Cape Town against The Stormers at the weekend. Liam Toland and Paul Wallace joined The Last Word to discus...

Greystones Parents Ban Smartphones For Primary Kids

26 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Eight primary schools in Greystones have come together to tackle the mental health issues caused by young children using smartphones. Dr. Colman Noc...

Who Will Be Relegated On The Final Weekend Of The Premier League?

26 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Lawrenson and Tony Cascarino joined The Last Word to give their relegation predictions for the final weekend of Premier League action. Catch the...

The Week Trending: Ryan Bids Farewell To Late Late

26 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ryan Tubridy will host The Late Late Show for the final time after 14 years on air, and Irish Gardaí are heading to Disneyland! Ben Finnegan, News A...

Tina Turner Dies, Age 83

25 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Music icon Tina Turner has sadly passed away at the age of 83. Dave Hanratty, Host of the No Encore Podcast joined The Last Word to look back on her l...

RTÉ Cracks Down On Staff Flights While Flying Patrick Kielty Back And Forth From The UK For Late Late Show

25 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

RTÉ have issued a request to staff to avoid air travel, despite plans to fly new Late Late host Patrick Kielty back and forth from the UK for hosting...

5 Years Since Repeal, Where Is Ireland With Abortion Services?

25 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It's 5 years today since Ireland voted to repeal the 8th amendment to the constitution. So what options are available to women around the country toda...

From Personal EKGs To Blood Pressure Watches: The Latest In Health Tech

25 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

If you're considering putting some money towards staying healthy this summer, Andy O’Donoghue joined us for Tech Thursday with his top health tech r...

Surveillance Of Workers’ Habits Shows A Lack Of Trust From Employers, Says FSU

24 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Should remote workers be concerned about the levels of surveillance they are under from their employer? John O’Connell, General Secretary of the Fi...

Meta To Cut Almost 500 Jobs From It’s Irish Operation

24 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Meta aka Facebook has announced their third round of job cuts this year. What does this mean for the company going forward? Ian Guider, Columnist wit...

Motorists Prefer A Three Year Insurance Policy Rather Than Annual Renewals

24 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What difference would a three year motor insurance policy make to driver's pockets? Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor with the Irish Independen...

Eamon Ryan: What Will Ireland’s Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Look Like In The Next Few Years

24 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Minister Eamon Ryan joined Matt Cooper on The Last Word to give his take on where Ireland stands when it comes to the future of electric vehicles. A...

Eamon Ryan: Why Is Electricity So Expensive In Ireland And How Do We Lower It

24 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Minister Eamon Ryan joined Matt Cooper on The Last Word to take your questions. The big question was on electricity prices and why we pay so much in ...

Eamon Ryan: “We Have To Get Every Single House Converted To Being A Really Well Insulated Home”

24 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Minister Eamon Ryan joined Matt Cooper on The Last Word to take your questions. Are we where we need to be when it comes to retrofitting homes in Ir...

Blur Return With First Album In Eight Years

23 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Iconic British band Blur have announced their first album in eight years, to be released in July. John Caddell and Dee Reddy joined The Last Word to...

The ‘Black Reagan” Or Another No Hoper? Tim Scott Declares Presidential Candidacy

23 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

US Senator Tim Scott has announced his bid for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. Cal Thomas, Nationally Syndicated Columnist, and Marion ...

Why Hypertension Can Be A Silent Killer

23 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Hypertension, aka high blood pressure, will affect 1 in 4 of us in our life. If left untreated it can have a negative effect on almost every organ in ...

Why Are Residential Electricity Prices Up 51% While Wholesale Rates Are Down 40%?

23 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Are we being charged too much for electricity and gas? Figures from the CSO may suggest so. Darragh Cassidy from Bonkers.ie joined The Last Word to d...

Dramatic La Rochelle Comeback Sinks Leinster In Champions Cup Final

22 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A one-point defeat for Leinster to La Rochelle over the weekend left both fans and team sorely disappointed. What does this mean for Irish rugby going...

Parental Tolerance Of Drinking Is On The Rise, Survey Finds

22 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

According to research by Planet Youth, parental tolerance of underage drinking has risen between 2018 and 2022. Jen Hogan, Parenting Columnist with t...

Awareness Campaign Launched On Consequences Of Threatening To Share Intimate Images

22 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

An awareness campaign has been launched today to highlight that threatening to share intimate images of a person is a crime with potentially serious c...

The Ultimate Holiday Checklist

22 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever arrived at the airport or your destination and realised you've forgotten something important for your trip? Sarah Slattery joined us wit...

Man City Could Be Premier League Champions By Saturday Night

19 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Will we have a Premier League winner by Saturday night? Mark Lawrenson and Tony Cascarino joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pr...

The Week Trending: Taoiseach's Partner Apologises For 'Poor Judgement' At Coronation

19 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar's partner has apologised for posting to social media during the coronation of King Charles, saying it reflected 'poor judgement...

Video Showing Assault On A Teen In Navan Watched Five Million Times By Adults

19 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A viral video showing a 14-year-old school boy being violently assaulted in Navan has been watched over 5 million times. Conor Gallagher, Crime and S...

Antidepressants Found In Irish Rivers

18 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A study from DCU has found traces of antibiotics and antidepressants in Irish rivers. John Gibbons, environmental commentator joined us with details o...

Tánaists Says Ireland More Vulnerable As Military Neutrality To Be Reviewed

18 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In a speech in the Dáil today, Tánaiste & Minister for Defence Micheál Martin gave details of the consultative review into Ireland’s defence poli...

Creating An Outdoor Entertainment Space For Summer

18 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

From the latest in BBQ tech, meat thermometers, oven cameras and outdoor entertainment systems, Andy O’Donoghue has all the gadgets to turn your gar...

HMV Focuses On Popularity Of Vinyl As It Returns To Dublin

18 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

HMV is making a return to Ireland seven year after closing it’s last store here. Journalist Aoife Barry and Today FM presenter Ed Smith, look ahead ...

98% Chance Temperature Records Will Be Broken In Five Years

17 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A major international report has predicted that it is probable the world will break the 1.5 degree celsius climate threshold by 2027. So what does thi...

What To Expect From The New Netflix Doc On Conor McGregor

17 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Is Netflix's new Conor McGregor documentary worth a watch? Elaine Burke joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' ...

Credit Unions Offer Some Of The Lowest Mortgage Rates On The Market

17 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Most wouldn't think of their local Credit Union as the place to get a mortgage, but could it be one of the best options available? Charlie Weston, Pe...

1 In 3 Can’t Afford To Make Homes Energy Efficient

16 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

EU legislation which proposes minimum energy performance standards is being drafted and could prevent people who own their own homes from selling them...

When Cosmetic Procedures Go Wrong

16 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What should patients know if considering travelling abroad for a cosmetic procedure? Dr. Brian Higgins, GP from Galway Primary Care joined The Last ...

Public Sector Parking To Be Phased Out Under New Climate Plan

16 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Public Section Climate Action Mandate highlights a number of actions to be taken in order to reduce emissions by 51% by the end of the decade, one...

Ronnie O’Sullivan Suffers From Imposter Syndrome Despite Seven World Titles

15 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Snooker legend Ronnie O'Sullivan joined us on The Last Word to discuss his life, career, and new book Unbreakable. Catch the full chat by pressing t...

BBC Cuts Political Comment From Siobhán McSweeney’s BAFTA Speech

15 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A political comment made by Derry Girls star Siobhán McSweeney during her BAFTAs acceptance speech was cut by BBC1 from footage for their highlights ...

Are You Finding It Hard To Source Your Hay Fever Medicine?

15 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Why is it difficult at present to get basic hay fever drugs from pharmacies in Ireland? Irish Pharmacy Union President Dermot Twomey joined The Last ...

Thugs Attack Tented Immigrant Camps As Govt Promise 500 New Places For Asylum Seekers

15 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Footage has been shared online of a group of young men attacking and dismantling a makeshift asylum seeker camp, with more videos later showing the ca...

Is It Too Expensive To Return To Work After Having Kids?

12 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

According to 2019 data from the CSO, 94% of women in Ireland do not return to work after having kids. But is it feasible to do so in 2023? Brianna Pa...

Premier League Top Four Race Continues

12 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

After Everton's win against Briton, Manchester City are in for a much more challenging game against Everton. Mark Lawrenson and Tony Cascarino join ...

Week Trending: The Irish Obsession With Fake Tan

12 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

UK police slammed over their treatment of protestors, Ireland's obsession with fake tan, and Trump's disastrous CNN Townhall were just some of the top...

Where Is It All Going Wrong For Ireland At The Eurovision?

11 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Following Eurovision disappointment for Ireland in the first of two semi-finals, the question is being asked, where is it all going wrong for us? Bro...

A Quarter Of Older Tenants Expect To Be Paying Rent For Life

11 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A report released by two Irish charities today has shown that up to 1 in 4 older tenants expect to be paying rent for the rest of their lives. Eoin O...

Auction Held For Irish Offshore Wind Farms

11 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Eirgrid has held an auction for contracts to build offshore Irish wind farms. The Government's current climate aims require 70% of energy to come from...

The Latest In Kitchen Tech

11 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

From sous vide cookers to hydroponic gardens, Andy O’Donoghue joined us to discuss the latest in tech for your kitchen! Catch the full chat by pres...

Supermarkets Given Six Weeks To Reduce Prices

10 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Will today's meeting of the Retail Forum lead to lower prices in our supermarkets? Duncan Graham, Managing Director of Retail Excellence Ireland joi...

Should The TV Licence Be Reduced To Compensate For GAAGo Prices?

10 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Should the price of GAAGo warrant a reduction in the cost of the TV license? Dick Clerkin, former Monaghan footballer and Jennifer Whitmore, Social ...

Jury Finds Donald Trump Guilty Of Sexually Abusing Writer E. Jean Carroll

10 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Former US President Donald Trump has been found liable for sexually abusing and defaming columnist E. Jean Carroll by a New York jury. Marion McKeon...

Most Women Unaware Of Ovarian Cancer Symptoms

09 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Approximately 300 women die a year in Ireland from ovarian cancer, with a total of approximately 400 diagnosed. What should you look out for? Dr. Il...

Taking Sides: Britain And The Civil War

09 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Broadcaster and former politician, Michael Portillo joined The Last Word to discuss his new documentary, Taking Sides: Britain And The Civil War. Cat...

US With Cal & Marion: Mass Shootings In 2023 Pass The 200 Mark

09 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It seems there is no end in sight for the United States' epidemic of mass shootings, following another shooting in Texas. Cal Thomas, Nationally Syn...

How Should The Government Surplus Be Spent?

09 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What should be done with the forecast 'record breaking budget surplus' this year? Dan O’Brien, Chief Economist at the Institute of International a...

GAAGO Row Rumbles On: All Football And Hurling Matches Should Be Free To Air Says Tánaiste

08 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Tánaiste Micheal Martin has weighed in on the GAAGO debate by saying that all GAA matches should be free-to-air. Alan Milton, GAA Director of Commu...

Secret Deal Allows RAF To Defend Irish Skies

08 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What is the existing deal between Ireland and Britain when it comes to the defense of Irish skies against hostile aircraft? Conor Gallagher, Crime a...

State To Oppose Application To Pay Gerry Hutch’s Court Costs

08 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The state plans to oppose Gerry Hutch's bid to have his legal fees covered by the taxpayer after being acquitted of murder last month. Frank Greaney,...

The Best European Camping Sites For Family Getaways This Summer

08 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Are you thinking about a summer holiday? Sarah Slattery joined The Last Word to discuss the best deals and options for a family camping getaway in t...

Big Sam's Big Game Against Man City

05 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

How will Leeds United fare against Arsenal this Saturday in the Premier League? Mark Lawrenson and Tony Cascarino joined The Last Word to discuss. ...

Calls For Return Of Mortgage Interest Relief

05 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What is mortgage interest relief, and will it return later this year? Dr. Ciaran Casey, Economics Lecturer at the University of Limerick joined The ...

Late Late Presenter Gig Deemed ‘Toxic’

05 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A number of popular female figures have pulled out of the race for The Late Late Show's high profile presenter gig. Why does the position's popularity...

Ammi Burke's Unfair Dismissal Case Thrown Out of Court

04 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

"The court is horrified that a qualified solicitor would conduct herself in such a manner in this court" judge tells Ammi Burke on the final day of a ...

Tech Thursday: Everything You Need for Your Summer Holidays

04 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Heading away on holiday soon? From the best pair of headphones to get to a bracelet that deters sharks, Andy O'Donoghue joined Matt to give his recomm...

The Last Word on the Environment: Why Michael D. Higgins Was Right to Criticise Economists

04 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

John Gibbons joined Matt Cooper for The Last Word on the Environment today to say why he thinks President Higgins was right to criticise the world of ...

"I Just Thought 'I'm About to Die'" Professional Cyclist Seriously Injured in Collision

04 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The RSA has launched a campaign urging drivers to slow down and look out for cyclists on the road. Imogen Cotter, a professional cyclist, was seriousl...

The Hidden Costs Of Living With Asthma

03 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

45% of asthma patients have had to forgo their medications due to cost of living pressures. Sarah Darcy who has suffered from asthma since she was in...

Should Teenagers As Young As 16 Automatically Pay Their Pension?

03 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A proposal from the Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection could see workers as young as 16 automatically paying into a pension. Denis Naughten, C...

Four Supermarkets Cut The Price Of Milk In An Attempt To Help Customers

03 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

With the cost of food on the rise worldwide, some supermarkets are lowering the prices of dairy products like butter and milk. Why is this? Charlie W...

The Boss Is Back In Town: Springsteen Is Taking Over

02 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Bruce Springsteen is gearing up to play three sold out shows in the RDS this month, the first of which will take place this Friday. Dave Hanratty, ho...

Doonbeg Prepares To Welcome Donald Trump

02 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What kind of welcome will Donald Trump receive when he arrives in Doonbeg tomorrow? Cal Thomas, nationally syndicated columnist and Larry Donnelly, L...

Is Ireland Ready For The Massive Challenges Posed By Artificial Intelligence?

02 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Should we be worried about artificial intelligence? Fianna Fáil Senator Malcolm Byrne and Dr. Oisin Cawley, Lecturer and Researcher in Computing at ...

Should Over-The-Counter Codeine Products Become Prescription Only?

02 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

There have been calls for over-the-counter codeine-based drugs to be made available as 'prescription-only' in pharmacies. Dr. Ilona Duffy joined The...

The Week Trending: The ‘Denaming’ Of TCD’s Berkeley Library

28 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Following a review by Trinity College, the university's Berkeley Library is to be renamed. A new name is yet to be confirmed. Roe McDermott and Eogh...

Why The Moon Is Set To Become The Latest Battleground For The World’s Superpowers

28 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Who is entitled to land on the moon? Tim Marshall, author of The Future of Geography joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressi...

WiFi Wedding Rings & Other Wearable Tech

27 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Have you heard of WiFi wedding rings? Well, Andy O’Donoghue has! He joined The Last Word to discuss the latest in wearable tech. Catch the full ch...

Do Drivers Need To Lose Their Sense Of Entitlement And Look Out For Cyclists?

27 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Marie Donnelly, Chairperson of the Climate Change Advisory Council has said that car owners have a sense of 'entitlement' and need to be more consider...

Who Would Want To Buy Manchester’s Second Club?

27 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Tomorrow is the deadline for the latest round of bids for the ownership of Manchester United FC. Both full and partial sale of the club is being consi...

Use Of Solar Power Boosted By Rise In Temperatures

27 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The use of solar power has been on the rise in Europe as a result of recent changes in climate. John Gibbons joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch ...

Meet The Woman Who Just Landed Meta's Biggest Job In Ireland

26 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Anne O'Leary has been appointed to a new role as head of Meta's operations in Ireland. Ian Guider joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full c...

Shortage Of Skilled Labour Is Threatening Dublin Businesses

26 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A shortage of skilled labour is one of the top issues affecting Dublin business, along with poor transport infrastructure and a lack of affordable hou...

Irish Households Charged Highest Electricity Prices In Europe

26 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Domestic electricity prices in Ireland are currently the highest in Europe. Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor with The Irish Independent joined...

Stardust Inquiry Opens With Pen Portraits From Victim’s Families

25 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

An inquest into the fire in the Stardust nightclub in Artane, Dublin in 1981 began today. 48 people died in the tragedy. Sean Murray, News Reporter ...

Guess How Much Profit Irish Companies Combined Made In 2022?

25 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

A grand total of almost €300 billion was earned in profit by registered Irish companies in 2022. Ian Guider, Business Columnist with Business Post ...