The Last Word with Matt Cooper

Cyclists Angry At Low Rate Of Fines For Dangerous Drivers

15 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Figures provided to The Irish Times by An Garda Síochána show that just 71 fines have been given to motorists for dangerous overtaking of cyclists s...

The Last Word On Health: How To Find A GP

15 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

With a GP shortage around the country, Dr. Brian Higgins from Galway Primary Care discussed the issue with Matt and advised the most effective ways to...

The Best Fiction Books Of 2022

14 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Authors Kevin Power and Edel Coffey joined Matt on The Last Word to discuss their favourite fiction books of 2022. List of books: Trespasses by Lou...

Dowdall Says He Was 'Set Up' As Evidence Continues

14 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The cross examination of Jonathan Dowdall has continued in the Special Criminal Court. Dowdall is a key witness in the murder trial of Gerry Hutch. T...

Personal Finance: Mortgage Rates Could See Costs Rise By Nearly €3,000

14 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Around 100,000 people who have had their mortgages sold to vulture funds in the past are now seeing some of the highest interest rate hikes in the cou...

The Best Non-Fiction Books Of 2022

14 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe and journalist Lise Hand joined Matt on The Last Word to discuss their favourite non-fiction books of 2022. Here...

Do We Need Stronger Privacy Laws For Social Media?

13 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A recent video of Tánaiste Leo Varadkar socialising in a Dublin nightclub which was viewed millions of times on social media has raised questions aro...

US With Cal And Marion: Marjorie Taylor Greene's Latest Comments On The January 6th Riots

13 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

US congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene bragged this week that if she was the ringleader for the US Capitol riots on January 6th, 2021, the violent cr...

Tech Tuesday: Tech For A Better Night's Sleep

13 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week for Tech Tuesday Andy O'Donoghue outlined some of the best tech to help you with your sleep. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' bu...

Draft Planning Laws To Restrict High Court Action From Residents' Groups

12 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Senator Mary Fitzpatrick, Fianna Fail Spokesperson on Housing and Richard Boyd Barrett, People Before Profit TD discussed residents’ associations be...

TV And Streaming: The Best TV Of 2022

12 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Elaine Burke and Joe O'Shea joined Matt for The Last Word's weekly TV & Streaming slot where they selected their favourite shows from the last twelve ...

World Cup: England, Netherlands, Brazil And Portugal All Exit In Dramatic Weekend

12 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Miguel Delaney and Tony Cascarino joined Matt to discuss an exciting weekend of World Cup action. Tournament favourites Brazil were knocked out by Cro...

Travel: From Harry Potter World To Legoland, The Best UK Family Breaks

12 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

If you're looking for a fun break for the family but don't want to travel too far, then London might be the place for you. Sarah Slattery from TheTrav...

World Cup Quarter Finals Preview

09 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As the Netherlands face Argentina and France prepare to take on England, Mark Lawrenson and Tony Cascarino joined The Last Word to discuss the penulti...

Cold Snap To Continue Into Next Week

09 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jack Frost has arrived and he's here to stay. What can we expect for the next week? Cathal Nolan, climate scientist at UCC and founder of Ireland’...

The Week Trending

09 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

After a week that saw Morocco celebrate their historic World Cup victory over Spain by waving the Palestinian flag, Aoife Barry and Mark Paul joined T...

The Last Word On The Environment: COP15 UN Biodiversity Summit

08 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

World leaders and biodiversity experts are gathering in Montreal for the UN biodiversity conference COP15. Environmental commentator John Gibbons j...

The Last Word On Movies: The Best Of 2022

08 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

There have been a lot of big releases this year as audiences flocked back to cinemas. We had long-awaited blockbusters like Top Gun: Maverick and a...

Employers Warned Of Possible Christmas Party Chaos

08 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Christmas party season is in full swing and for many people this is the first time back at a work gathering since before the pandemic. Síobhra Rush...

The Last Word On Health: Strep A - The Danger Signs And What To Do If You See Them

08 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Parents have been advised to keep children at home if they have a fever, cough and sore throat to combat a "significant increase in viral infections" ...

Alek Keshishian- Director Of Selena Gomez: My Mind And Me

07 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In 2016, after years in the spotlight, singer and actor Selena Gomez had to take an extended break right in the middle of her massive Revival tour. ...

Should We Be Concerned About The Spread Of Strep A?

07 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

There is growing concern about the bacterial infection known as Strep A which has been linked to the death of a young child. Dr Denis McCauley, chai...

Personal Finance: How Will The Cold Snap Impact Heating Bills?

07 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The winter weather is here with temperatures set to drop below freezing. With high energy bills and cost of living pressures it’s important to sa...

US With Cal and Marion: Supreme Court Hears Gay Rights And Free Speech Case

06 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The US Supreme Court continues to make headlines, as the court's conservative majority sounds ready to rule that a Christian digital designer has a fr...

Tech Tuesday: Wi-Fi Extenders And Tech For A Better Night's Sleep

06 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

WiFi woes at home? Trouble sleeping? Our tech expert Andy O'Donoughue has you covered, as he joins Matt to discuss Wi-Fi extenders and technology fo...

100 Years Of Ireland- So What Have We Done Right?

06 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

100 years ago today, the Irish Free State was born. Amidst cost of living, housing and healthcare crises many of us might find ourselves asking- wha...

The Last Word On Travel: Irish Christmas Markets

05 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Sarah Slattery from TheTravelExpert.ie told The Last Word about the best Christmas markets in Ireland for the festive period. Catch the full chat by ...

Tech Show Extra

05 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Andy O'Donoghue & Ben Finnegan reviewed even more headphones, hoverboards and home tech in the lead up to Christmas. Catch the full chat by pressing ...

England And France Advance to the World Cup Quarter Finals

05 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Miguel Delaney & Mark Lawrenson joined us to analyse the latest World Cup results, which saw Croatia advance against Japan in the first penalty shooto...

Northern Ireland Rejects United Ireland, Finds Polls

05 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Pat Leahy, Political Editor of the Irish Times & Deirdre Heenan, Professor of Social Policy at Ulster University and former member of the Council of S...

Book- Faith: In Search of Greater Glory in Sport

02 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In a new book 20 of Ireland’s top sports stars talk about their faith and relationships with religion. Author Gerard Gallagher joined Matt on The ...

Gardai Recording Deemed Admissible In Hutch Trial

02 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The judges at the Regency Hotel murder trial have decided to allow all of the recorded conversations between Gerry Hutch and Jonathan Dowdall into evi...

The Week Trending

02 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Roe McDermott and Lorcan Nyhan joined Matt on The Last Word to discuss the other stories making headlines this week including the Harry and Meghan doc...

Christine McVie Dies

01 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Christine McVie, the singer, songwriter and keyboardist who became the biggest hitmaker for Fleetwood Mac has died aged 79. John Cadell joined us to...

The Last Word On The Environment: Should Motorists Be Automatically Liable For Collisions With Cyclists?

01 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Should motorists be automatically liable for collisions with cyclists? John Gibbons joined Matt to discuss this and more. Catch the full chat by pr...

Alan Dukes Clarifies Remarks About Border Residents Being More Prone to Violence

01 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Former Fine Gael leader Alan Dukes has come under scrutiny after saying border residents are more prone to violence in an RTÉ documentary about contr...

The Last Word On Health: When A Cold Is More Than Just A Cold

01 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In the midst of flu season, deciphering when a cold is more than just a cold is becoming trickier. Monaghan-based GP Illona Duffy filled us in on ho...

Four-Day Working Week Trial Finds Significant Benefits

30 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A four-day working week trial in Ireland has been deemed a success by both the employers and employees taking part. 12 Irish firms tested out the sh...

Warnings of Worsening Taxi Shortages in the Lead Up to Christmas

30 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A massive shortage of taxi drivers is expected in Irish cities and towns this Christmas season. The number of taxi drivers plummeted during the pandem...

Personal Finance: Review Finds Consumer's Access to Bank Cash Should Be Protected

30 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A review of Irish banking, commissioned by the Department of Finance has said draft heads of a bill should be drawn up next year to protect consumers'...

The Last Word On Music: The Worst Decisions In Music History

29 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

John Caddell and Dave Hanratty joined Matt on The Last Word to discuss the latest music news including U2 drummer Larry Mullen needing surgery to cont...

Rosanna Davison On Her Journey To Parenthood

29 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Fertility is a very important issue for many couples. Speaking to Matt on The Last Word, Rosanna Davison shared her own challenges in her fertility jo...

US With Cal and Marion: US Response to Protests in China

29 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Large protests have erupted across China in recent days triggered by public anger over strict Covid-19 lockdown measures. How has the United States re...

Tech Tuesday: Buying Compatible Tech

29 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

When buying technology online it is important to make sure what you buy will work in Ireland and with the devices you already have. Andy O'Donoghue ...

Argentina Keep Their World Cup Hopes Alive With Victory Over Mexico

28 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Lawrenson and Kieran Cunningham, Chief Sports Writer with the Irish Daily Star analysed the weekend’s FIFA World Cup results, including Argenti...

TV And Streaming: Jill Scott Crowned Queen of the Jungle

28 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this week’s TV & Streaming slot, Joe O’Shea & Elaine Burke gave their reviews of this year’s Late Late Toy Show. They also discussed Matt Han...

The Last Word On Travel: The Best Travel Gifts This Christmas

28 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Sarah Slattery from TheTravelExpert.ie returned for The Last Word’s weekly travel slot to give the best tips for travel-related Christmas presents t...

Why Politicians Need To Make Sense of Anti-Immigrant Sentiment In Ireland

28 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Eoin O’Malley, Associate Professor in Political Science at the School of Law and Government at DCU joined Matt on The Last Word to discuss what ...

Cork Ladies Footballers on Their Most Memorable Games

25 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In a new book from the Game of My Life series Cork ladies footballers recall their highlights of playing the game, as well as what motivates them on t...

Mick Wallace Criticices 'Propaganda' Against Iranian Regime

25 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week Ireland South MEP Mick Wallace spoke in the European Parliament and criticised the protests in Iran. Naomi O’Leary, Europe corresponden...

The Week Trending

25 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Ben Finnegan and Orla Ryan joined Matt to look at the other stories making headlines this week including the World Cup in Qatar and the French man who...

Last Word On Movies: Glass Onion

24 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On The Last Word on Movies Brian Lloyd joined Matt to discuss this week’s biggest movie releases - including Glass Onion, the highly anticipated Kni...

Last Word On The Environment: Should Tolling Be Free For Carpoolers?

24 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Should carpoolers have to pay for tolls? John Gibbons joined the Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this pag...

Last Word On Health: Seasonal Affective Disorder

24 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As the days get shorter and colder, have you noticed a change in your mood? Seasonal affective disorder is a form of mood disorder that changes with ...

6 Arrests Made Over International 'Spoofing' Scams

24 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Gardaí have joined law enforcement groups across the world in an international investigation into a website which enabled fraudsters to make phone ca...

The Last Word Gadget Show: The Ultimate Black Friday Savings In Gadgets & Tech

23 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Last Word's annual Gadget Show is back, brought to you by Currys. Our tech expert Andy O'Donoghue was joined by a number of other guests to revie...

Tech Tuesday: How To Avoid Black Friday Scams

22 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

With Black Friday and Cyber Monday on the horizon consumers are being warned to be wary of scams. Fraudsters stole €45 million from Irish online sho...

Last Word On Music: Bono Brings His 'Stories Of Surrender' Stage Show To Dublin

22 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Ed Smith and Dave Hanratty joined Matt to discuss the week's biggest stories, including Blur returning to Dublin, Bono's stage show and why Mariah Car...

US With Cal & Marion: Joe Biden Turns 80

22 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

US President Joe Biden has just celebrated his 80th birthday becoming the first ever president to do so while in office. Is Biden too old to run for ...

Personal Finance: Irish Banks Pay the Worst Interest Rates In Europe

22 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

There is over €150 billion in household savings in banks and credit unions in Ireland but those who are lucky enough to have money set aside are get...

Does COP27 Loss and Damage Fund Go Far Enough?

21 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

COP27 has come to a close with nations finally agreeing on a loss and damage fund to help vulnerable countries. Siobhan Curran, head of policy and ad...

TV & Streaming: Saipan- Rebel Without A Ball

21 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

RTE's new documentary, 'Saipan: Rebel Without A Ball' explores how far Ireland could have gone if Roy Keane had stayed at the World Cup in Saipan. Jo...

The Last Word On Travel: Black Friday Deals

21 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

With Black Friday coming up Sarah Slattery from the travelexpert.ie joined us to discuss the best travel deals including package holidays, flights, cr...

FIFA Bans Wearing Of 'One Love' Armband

21 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Teams from seven European countries have confirmed they will no longer be wearing the 'One Love' armband due to fear of a yellow card being issued. ...

World Cup Review

18 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The World Cup kicks off in Qatar on Sunday. Mark Lawrenson and Miguel Delaney joined Matt on The Last Word to preview the tournament. Catch the full ...

Restorative Justice Process in Place as Abuse Survivors Urged to Come Forward

18 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Independent experts have been appointed to oversee a process of restorative justice for survivors of historical abuse at schools run by the Spiritan C...

The Week Trending - No Beer At The World Cup

18 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Brianna Parkins and Kieran Cunningham joined Matt on The Last Word to discuss the other stories making headlines this week including a ban on the sale...

Last Word On Health: Weight Loss Injections For Obesity

17 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Brian Higgins, GP at Galway Primary Care joined Ian Guider to discuss weight loss injections and their effectiveness as an alternative treatment f...

The Last Word On The Environment: World Population Passes 8 Billion

17 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Fianna Fáil TD Christopher O’Sullivan and John Gibbons covered the global population surpassing 8 billion, and why that could be a bad thing for th...

Toll Charges to Increase Substantially in January

17 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Toll charges on Irish roads will increase by up to 60% in the new year. Geraldine Herbert & Peadar Toibin spoke to Ian Guider on The Last Word about w...

Should We Ignore the World Cup?

17 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

With the 2022 FIFA World Cup only days away, Sam Rowe from Amnesty International Ireland and Will O’Callaghan of Off The Ball joined Ian Guider to t...

Film: Letitia Wright & Josh O’Conor Take The Lead In Direct Provision Film ‘Aisha’

16 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Aisha tells the story of a young Nigerian woman who is in limbo within the Direct Provision system in Ireland and her friendship with security guard C...

Donald Trump Announces He Will Run For President In 2024

16 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Following disappointing midterm results for the Republican Party and many candidates backed by Donald Trump, the former US president has announced pla...

Personal Finance: Motor Insurers Made Over €700M Profit In The Last 5 Years

16 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The profits of motor insurers are continuing to surge, but customers are only getting tiny premium cuts according to the latest figures. Charlie Westo...

Cabinet Approves Joint Euro 2028 Bid

15 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Matt was joined by Jack Chambers TD, Government Chief Whip & Minister of State for Sport, the Gaeltacht & Defence to discuss the Cabinet signing off o...

Last Word On Music: Bruce Springsteen Releases New Album

15 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

John Caddell & Dave Hanratty joined us to review ‘Only the Strong Survive’, the latest album from Bruce Springsteen, and predicted what fans can e...

Cartoon Saloon's My Father's Dragon

15 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Nora Twomey, animator, screenwriter and director spoke to The Last Word about ‘My Father’s Dragon’, which was released on Netflix on November 4t...

US With Cal And Marion: Trump Expected To Make 2024 US Race Announcement

15 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week’s US slot with Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone focused on what former US President Donald Trump’s latest announcement could mean for the 2...

Interview: Martin O'Neill

14 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Former Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill joined Matt to discuss his life, career and new autobiography, On Days Like These. Catch the full ...

TV & Streaming: RTE To Axe Some Of It's Most Popular Shows

14 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Ireland's Fittest Family could be the next prime time RTE show to be axed due to budget cuts. Joe O'Shea and Elaine Burke joined us to discuss this ...

The Last Word On Travel: Rome

14 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On our weekly glimpse into the world of travel, Sarah Slattery from thetravelexpert.ie joins Matt to discuss Roman holidays. Catch the full chat by ...

Vicky Phelan Dies, Age 48

14 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Cervical cancer campaigner Vicky Phelan passed away today aged 48. In September 2020, she joined Matt to talk about her favourite music, movies, and...

Final Weekend of Premiere League Action Before the Season Stalls for The World Cup

11 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Tony Cascarino and Mark Lawrenson joined Matt to discuss this weekend's Premiere League proceedings. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' butt...

16-Year-Old Found Guilty Of Murder

11 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A teenage boy has been found guilty of murdering a 49-year-old mother-of-two as she made her way home from work in Dublin city on the 20th of January ...

The Week Trending

11 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Journalist Lise Hand and political reporter with the Irish Times, Jack Horgan Jones, discuss some of the other stories making headlines this week, inc...

The Last Word On Health: Complications From Diabetes

10 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Brian Higgins joins Matt to talk about complications that occur from diabetes. For the full chat click the play button below.

Last Word On Movies: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

10 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Brian Lloyd joins Matt to go through the latest movies to hit Irish screens. For the full chat click the play button below.

The Last Word On Environment: Cop 27 Progress Report

10 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

John Gibbons joins Matt for his weekly environmental slot. This week they discuss car parts and Cop 27 progress. For the full chat click the play b...

Publicans Criticise Heineken Decision To Raise Price Of It's Draught Beers And Ciders

10 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Ollie Grimes, Owner of the Snug in Skerries joins Matt to discuss Heineken's decision to raise the price of their draughts and ciders. For the full ...

British Media's Hysteria Over The Release Of 'The Crown'

09 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Season five of Netflix's royal drama The Crown arrived to Netflix today and has already caused controversy. What's fact, what's fiction and is it wo...

Good Night For Democrats As 'Red Wave' Stalls In Midterm Elections

09 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The House is leaning Republican in the States while the vote for the Senate is on a knife-edge. Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone gave us the latest on t...

Personal Finance: Is It Too Late to Fix My Mortgage?

09 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Those with variable rate mortgages are now in ‘last-chance saloon’. Is it too late to lock in? Charlie Weston joined us to discuss. Catch the f...

Last Word on Music: Rave Reviews for Bob Dylan's 3Arena Concert

08 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Bob Dylan played the 3Arena this week in his long-awaited return to Dublin. Zara Hedderman was at the gig and joined Matt to review it. John Caddell...

US With Cal & Marion: Voting Underway In Midterms

08 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Voters in the US have been heading to the polls for the midterm elections which will determine whether the Democrats lose control of Congress. The pa...

Author Colm Tóibín On His New Book - A Guest At The Feast

08 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Laureate for Irish Fiction, Colm Tóibín spoke to Matt about his latest book 'A Guest at the Feast', which is a collection of essays about his own li...

Tech Tuesday: Mastodon & Other Twitter Alternatives

08 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

There have been big changes to social media giant Twitter since Elon Musk’s takeover and more are expected to come. As a result lots of people have ...

Liverpool For Sale As Draw Sees Them Play Real Madrid In Champions League Last 16

07 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Miguel Delaney and Mark Lawrenson spoke to Matt on The Last Word about the potential sale of Liverpool and the weekend’s Premier League. Catch the...

TV & Streaming: I'm A Celebrity & The Crown Return

07 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Matt was joined by Joe O’Shea and Elaine Burke on The Last Word to discuss the latest TV and streaming news, including the return of reality TV stap...

Lack Of Rural Chargers Damaging Electric Vehicle Target

07 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Northern and Western Regional Assembly has called for at least two electric charge facilities in every town and village in the country in order to...

The Last Word On Travel: Visiting New York With Kids

07 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Visiting New York with kids may seem daunting to some, but it can be the trip of a lifetime. Sarah Slattery from the travelexpert.ie spoke to Matt ...