The Last Word with Matt Cooper
Episodes
General Practice At Crisis Point
26 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
There is a workforce and workload crisis in general practice in Ireland and as a result qualified doctors are moving abroad or finding other work. Th...
Teacher Shortage Sees Some Secondary Schools Unable To Fill Posts
26 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A study from the Teachers' Union of Ireland has revealed that nine in ten secondary schools have struggled to fill vacant teaching posts in the last s...
US With Cal And Marion : Russian Court Rejects Brittney Griner Appeal
25 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A Russian court has rejected an appeal by the US basketball player Brittney Griner against her nine-year prison sentence for possession of drugs. Cal...
Richard E Grant : A Pocketful Of Happiness
25 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
When Richard's beloved wife Joan died in 2021 after almost four decades of marriage, she set him a challenge: to find a pocketful of happiness in ever...
The Last Word On Music : Arctic Monkeys & Taylor Swift Album Reviews
25 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This weekend saw Taylor Swift and Arctic Monkeys battle it out on the charts following the release of their new records. What do John Caddell and De...
Obesity Now Recognised As A Disease Instead Of Lifestyle Illness
25 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
New treatment guidelines that redefine obesity care have been launched with the support of doctors, patient groups and the HSE. The guidelines move ...
Interview With Zak Moradi - Life Begins In Leitrim : From Kurdistan To Croke Park
24 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
‘Life Begins In Leitrim : From Kurdistan to Croke Park’ is Zak Moradi’s autobiography. The former intercounty hurler tells his story of being ...
TV & Streaming : Netflix's 'The Crown' To Get 'Fictionalised' Disclaimer
24 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Due to the nature of it's storytelling, Netflix's hit show The Crown will now carry a 'fictionalised' disclaimer. Joe O'Shea and Elaine Burke joined ...
Richard Harris Archive Given To UCC
24 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
University College Cork will take on the archive of the late actor Richard Harris. The Limerick born actor was one of the first great Irish movie su...
The Last Word On Travel : Malaga
24 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Malaga airport is frequented by millions of international visitors each year, but most use it as a gateway to stay in beach resorts on the Costa del S...
Last Word On The Environment : Calls For Government To Reconsider Nuclear Energy Ban
21 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Given the extent of the current climate and energy crisis, Engineers Ireland have called on the Government to reconsider the legislative ban on genera...
Liz Truss Resigns As UK Prime Minister
20 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
After just 45 days in Number 10, Liz Truss has stepped down - becoming the shortest-serving prime minister in UK history. What happened in the 24 ho...
The Last Word On Health : Signs Of Perimenopause
20 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week is Menopause Awareness Week - the first ever in Ireland. To mark the occasion, we discuss the signs and symptoms of perimenopause with Dr ...
An Post Book Awards Short Listings
20 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
With the An Post Irish Book Awards 2022 drawing closer, we are delighted to announce the shortlists for Eason Novel of the Year and Eason Sportsbook o...
Interview : Tommie Gorman
19 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Journalist and author Tommie Gorman discusses his new book ‘Never Better: My Life In Our Times’. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' butto...
Would Less Dogs Be Surrendered If Ireland Was More Pet Friendly?
19 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
More than 50% of people believe that companies with a pet-friendly policy are a more attractive place to work and 27% say it would influence their cho...
Personal Finance : Changes To Mortgage Lending Rates
19 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Charlie Weston, personal finance editor with the Irish Independent, and Michael Dowling, managing director of Dowling Financial explain what the Centr...
Government Approves Winter Eviction Ban
18 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Cabinet has signed off on a winter eviction ban which is expected to run from November until the end of March. How is it going to work and what does...
Tech Tuesday : Meta VR Headsets To Track Eye Movements
18 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Andy O’Donoghue, tech journalist, outlines how Meta’s latest technology will track eye movements of users and why this raises privacy issues. Ca...
US With Cal And Marion : Kevin Spacey Denies Sex Abuse Claim During Testimony
18 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Cal Thomas, nationally syndicated columnist and Marion McKeone, US Correspondent with the Business Post discuss the latest news from the US, including...
Last Word On Music : Arctic Monkeys And Taylor Swift Are Both Set To Release New Albums This Friday
18 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Arctic Monkeys and Taylor Swift will go head-to-head in the charts this week as they both release new albums. ‘The Car’ by Arctic Monkeys will b...
Can Liverpool's Victory Over City At Anfield Kickstart Their Season?
17 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Liverpool secured an impressive 1-0 win over Manchester City on Sunday which has left Guardiola's side four points behind Premier League leaders Arsen...
Pathfinder Programme Aimed At Bringing More Public Transport To Towns And Villages Launched
17 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Thirty-five projects aimed to increase the use of public transport, cycling and walking have been launched by the Government. Transport Minister Eam...
TV & Streaming : Actor Robbie Coltrane Remembered
17 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Actor Robbie Coltrane has sadly passed away at the age of 72, after an iconic and memorable career. Joe O'Shea and Elaine Burke join The Last Word to...
Jonathan Dowdall Sentenced To 4 Years
17 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Frank Greaney, Courts Correspondent with Today FM, has the latest on the sentencing of Jonathan Dowdall and his father Patrick Dowdall for facilitatin...
Enoch Burke's Mother Escorted From Appeal Court During Hearing
14 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The mother of jailed teacher Enoch Burke was removed from court today after interrupting proceedings. Frank Greaney joined the Last Word to discuss. ...
Liverpool Hope To Rein Manchester City In On Sunday When They Host Guardiola’s Side At Anfield
14 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It's a huge match up this weekend in the Premiere League, with Liverpool playing host to Manchester City. How are Liverpool's chances looking? Mark ...
The Week Trending
14 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Climate protest at the London National Gallery, controversial football celebrations and much more on the Week Trending with Brianna Parkins and Dave H...
The Last Word On The Environment : Five Climate Myths Debunked
13 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
When it comes to discussing climate change, everyone has an opinion! But often dangerous myths and misconceptions are thrown around. John Gibbons join...
Movies : 'Emily'
13 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A new biographical film about the life and times of writer Emily Brontë is being released this week starring Emma Mackey of 'Sex Education' fame. Br...
The Last Word On Health : Dry Eyes
13 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Dry eyes are extremely common and a source of discomfort for many people. But what causes this issue and how can it be treated? Dr. Brian Higgins joi...
Ukrainian Refugees To Stay In Co. Kerry After Government Intervention
12 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A welcomed last minute reversal on the decision to move Ukrainian refugees from Co. Kerry to Co. Mayo has been made by the Government. Niall Kelleher...
Republic Of Ireland Apologize For Dressing Room Chant After Securing World Cup Qualification
12 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Apologies have been made on behalf of the Republic of Ireland women's soccer team after a video surfaced on social media containing song lyrics refere...
Personal Finance : How Will The Pension Auto-Enrolment Impact Me?
12 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A new pension auto-enrolment scheme is in the works for those without a private or occupational pension in place. Charlie Weston joined the Last Word ...
US With Cal And Marion : Harvey Weinstein Back In Court
11 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Disgraced former film producer Harvey Weinstein is back in court to face trial for multiple charges of sexual misconduct, despite currently serving a ...
The Good Drinker : How I Learned To Love Drinking Less
11 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Well known British television presenter Adrian Chiles joined the Last Word today to discuss his new book, 'The Good Drinker : How I Learned To Love Dr...
The Last Word On Music : Kanye's Twitter And Instagram Accounts Locked
11 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Kanye West has been suspended from Twitter and Instagram after the latest in a long string of controversies for the hip-hop artist and entrepreneur. ...
Tech Tuesday : AI Recruitment Tools Don't Work
11 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Why may Artificial Intelligence used for job recruitment not be as 'intelligent' as we once thought? Andy O’Donoghue joined the Last Word to discus...
Travel : Tips For A Beginners Ski Holiday
10 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The idea of a first time Ski holiday can be daunting, so Sarah Slattery joined the Last Word with her best advice and recommendations for first time S...
TV And Streaming : Brendan Gleeson Hosts Saturday Night Live
10 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Beloved Irish actor Brendan Gleeson hosted the long running American comedy show 'SNL' over the weekend, with an appearance from popular co-star Colin...
Arsenal Remain Top Of The League After Win Over Liverpool
10 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Are Liverpool at crisis point after their loss to Arsenal over the weekend? Mark Lawrenson joined the Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by p...
Green Light For Auto-Enrollment Pension Scheme
10 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
About 750,000 people in Ireland are without a private or occupational pension, and will depend on support from the state pension. A new auto-enrollme...
Government Considering Eviction Ban Until The End Of March
08 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Many people are facing potential eviction this year due to the rise in bills, rent and other costs. Will the Government introduce an eviction ban? Pa...
The Week Trending
08 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Royal visits to Northern Ireland, and odd toilet behaviour off the coast of the republic. Edel Coffey and Damien McLoughlin joined the Last Word to d...
Arsenal Host Liverpool On Sunday And Southampton Are Next To Take On Haaland
08 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It's a big weekend of Premiere League fixtures with Arsenal hosting Liverpool, and Southampton taking on Manchester City. Mark Lawrenson and Tony Ca...
Interview : Shane Ross
06 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What is the background story behind the polarizing figure of Mary Lou McDonald? Shane Ross joined the Last Word to discuss his new book 'Mary Lou McD...
Movies : 'Nothing Compares' - Sinead O'Connor's Rise To Fame
06 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A documentary about Sinead O'Connor's life and views has been released entitled 'Nothing Compares'. Brian Lloyd and Roe McDermott joined the Last Wor...
The Last Word On The Environment : Why Taxis Should Be Banned From Bus Lanes
06 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Should taxis be completely banned from bus lanes? John Gibbon joined the Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on ...
The Last Word On Health : Children And Constipation
06 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
When it comes to constipation in children, what is normal and what should you keep an eye out for? Dr. Brian Higgins joined the Last Word to discuss...
Should We Alter How Rugby Is Played In Order To Improve Player Safety?
06 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
With increasing evidence to show the risks of serious injury and neurodegenerative brain disease for rugby players, is it time we changed the game in ...
Interview : Marina Hyde
05 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Renowned journalist Marina Hyde joined us on the Last Word to discuss the crazy times we are living through, as well as her new book 'What Just Happen...
Personal Finance : People With Company Car Have Been Hit With 'Benefit-In-Kind' Tax Increase
05 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
For potentially 150,000 people driving a company car, a new 'benefit-in-kind' tax has been introduced based on the amount of miles driven a year. Cha...
US With Cal And Marion : Musk In Twitter Row With Zelenskyy
04 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Elon Musk has landed himself in trouble with Ukraine after strange 'Trump-like' tweets. Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone joined the Last Word to discuss...
The Last Word On Music : Lindsey Buckingham Cancels Remaining Tour Dates
04 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Lindsey Buckingham has become the latest popular artist to cut a tour short. Zara Hedderman and John Caddell joined the Last Word to discuss. Catch ...
Tech Tuesday : Final EU Approval For Universal Charger
04 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
From 2024 all mobile phones in the EU will use USB-C. Andy O’Donoghue joined the Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the Play b...
Is A United Ireland Inevitable?
03 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
As conversations on the topic become more common, is the prospect of a United Ireland becoming inevitable? Neale Richmond, Frances Black and Louise O...
City Hammer United In Manchester Derby As Arsenal Beat Spurs To Stay Top Of The League
03 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Was Manchester City's fantastic performance this past weekend a sign they will dominate the premiere league? Miguel Delaney joined the Last Word to ...
The Last Word On Travel : Travelling With Pets
03 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Taking a pet on holiday can be tricky. How can you take an animal away and ensure they are safe, happy and healthy? Sarah Slattery joined the Last Wo...
Dowdall Entering Witness Protection As He Agrees To Give Evidence
03 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Former Sinn Fein councilor Jonathan Dowdall was due to stand trial for murder, however his situation has changed following an agreement with the Direc...
The Last Word on Sport
30 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This weekend sees the return of the premier league, with North London derbies and a Manchester derby on the horizon. Tony Cascarino and Mark Lawrenso...
Deborah Somorin on Tackling Barriers for Single Parents Accessing Education
30 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Deborah Somorin joined The Last Word to discuss her experience being homeless at the age of 13, before going on to access third-level education and he...
The Week Trending
30 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
One of the biggest stories of the week was the controversial statement made by Russian President Vladimir Putin following his annexation of four Ukrai...
The Last Word On Health : Gut Health
30 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Something we often overlook is the importance of having good gut health! But where should you start? Dr. Brian Higgins joined the Last Word to discus...
Longlist For An Post Bookshop Of The Year Is Announced
29 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
12 bookshops across the country have been longlisted for the ‘An Post Bookshop of the Year’ category at this year’s An Post Irish Book Awards, t...
The Last Word On The Environment
29 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
With mixed reactions to budget 2023, how did environmental issues fare in the Government's spending? John Gibbons joined the Last Word to discuss. C...
Recovery From Addiction Is Tough But Achievable
29 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
With International Recovery Day taking place tomorrow, Pauline McKeown, CEO of Coolmine Therapeutic Community and Danny Moore, former client of Coolmi...
Budget 2023 'Leaves The Poor Behind' According To Social Justice Ireland
29 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
According to Social Justice Ireland, the €11 billion that was spent in yesterday's budget has been distributed unfairly. Michelle Murphy, research...
Personal Finance : Listener Queries About Budget 2023 Answered
28 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Charlie Weston joined us this week for a personal finance special, answering your questions about Budget 2023. Catch the full chat by pressing the Pl...
Opposition Reaction To Budget 2023
28 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What do the opposing parties of our Government think of the choices made for Budget 2023? Ged Nash and Matt Carthy joined the Last Word to discuss. ...
Business Reaction To The Budget
27 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What has the reaction of businesses been like to Budget 2023? Neil McDonnell, Lisa Eccles, Paul Gallagher and Mary Conway joined the Last Word to dis...
Interview : Paschal Donohoe
27 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
After a number of historic and unprecedented years which have affected the Irish economy massively, Paschal Donohoe joined the Last Word to discuss na...
What's In The Budget?
27 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today was Ireland's long awaited Budget day, but what are the details? Ian Guider, Nancy Fallon and Daniel McConnell joined the Last Word to discuss....
House Prices Stabilise
26 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Amongst all of the economic uncertainty, is there some good news emerging from the housing market? Karl Deeter joined the Last Word to discuss. Catc...
Why Are Chinese Police Operating From A Premises In Dublin's Capel St?
26 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Why is a Chinese intelligence unit operating on Capel Street in Dublin, independent of the Chinese embassy? John Mooney joined the Last Word to discu...
TV And Streaming
26 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Only weeks after the death of Queen Elizabeth III, Netflix have announced the fifth season of their hugely popular show 'The Crown'. Joe O’Shea an...
The Last Word O n Travel : Christmas Markets
26 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Christmas is still a while away but if you're considering going on holiday in December, now is the time to book! Sarah Slattery joined us for The Las...
Wolf Hall Writer Hilary Mantel Dies Aged 70
23 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Beloved British novelist Hilary Mantel has passed away at the age of 70. Kevin Power joined the Last Word to discuss her brilliant career. Catch the ...
Far Right Expected To Win Italian Snap Election
23 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
An important election taking place this weekend in Italy could have far reaching economic and political consequences. Dan O’Brien joined the Last ...
The Week Trending
23 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
One of the biggest stories of the week involved an Irish Rugby legend taking home the wrong dog from the groomers! There has been a worrying amount of...
Movies : Don't Worry Darling
22 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
After the unbelievable hype and drama that has surrounded Olivia Wilde's latest movie, is it any good? Roe McDermott joined the Last Word to discuss....
Northern Ireland Census - Is There An Opportunity For A United Ireland?
22 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
After new census findings, is it starting to look like there's a possibility for a future United Ireland? Amanda Ferguson, Mick Fealty and Neale Rich...
Last Word On The Environment : Will Charles III Be A 'Green King'?
22 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
With King Charles III having established himself as environmentally conscious in the past, has John Gibbons decided to go royalist? Catch the full c...
Last Word On Health : Contraception
22 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Since last week all women in Ireland from the age of 17 up to 25 can now avail of free contraception. Dr. Brian Higgins joined the Last Word to chat a...
Is Ireland Doing Enough To Tackle Anti-Social Behaviour?
21 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The events that took place in Cherry Orchard this week have highlighted a potential lack of force when it comes to anti-social behaviour in Ireland. ...
New Bill Would Allow Tenants To Keep Pets In Their Apartments And Dry Their Clothes On The Balcony
21 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
For those living in apartments, news of a new bill that will allow tenants to keep pets and to save energy by hanging clothes to dry on balconies is a...
Culture Club : Emer Reynolds
21 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This week for the culture club we are joined by multi award winning director, Eimear Reynolds! Her work includes 2022 film 'Joyride' starring Olivia C...
Personal Finance : Will Older Retirees Benefit From Increased Pension Rates
21 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The pension age will stay at 66, but workers will have the option of working on until the age of 70 in return for a larger state pension. Are the fina...
US With Cal And Marion : DeSantis Under Investigation Over Migrant Flights
20 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A criminal investigation has been launched into a publicity stunt that involved the luring of migrants up to wealthy holiday destination 'Martha's Vin...
Last Word On Music : First Chapter Of Bono's Book Released
20 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A surprisingly well written chapter from Bono's new memoir has been released, setting expectations high for the book's release on November 1st. Dee ...
80% Of Teenage Girls Feel They Won't Have The Same Opportunities As Boys
20 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
'The Shona Project' is a non-profit organisation which works to help today's Irish women to be strong, confident and curious. A survey conducted by th...
Garda Car Rammed In Cherry Orchard
20 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A shocking incident took place last night involving two reckless drivers ramming into a Garda car in Cherry Orchard, with footage ending up on social ...
Paschal Donohoe Criticises “Price Gouging By Hotels”
19 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Paschal Donohoe has stated hotel's price gouging in recent months will be taken into account in the 2023 budget. Paul Clancy, chief executive of the ...
The Great Standing Charge Scam : How Energy Companies Have Been Increasing Your Bills Regardless Of How Much Electricity You Use
19 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
With energy costs increasing, how can companies justify increasing a basic standing charge? Charlie Weston and Don Moore joined the Last Word to disc...
TV And Streaming : TV Coverage Of The Funeral Of Queen Elizabeth
19 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
One of the biggest televised events of the decade took place today, the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. Joe O’Shea and Elaine Burke joined the Last...
The Last Word On Travel : Winter Travel Breaks
19 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Where can you get the best value for your money on a getaway this winter? Sarah Slattery joined the Last Word for her best picks for 2022 winter trave...
The Week Trending - A Look At The Other Stories Making Headlines This Week
16 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Did David Beckham que for 12 hours to greet the queens coffin? Aoife Barry and Kieran Cunningham join Matt to go over this weeks trending stories. ...
Should The Legacy Of The British Empire Be Celebrated?
16 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Should the legacy of the British Empire be celebrated? Maya Jassanoff, Coolidge Professor of History, Harvard University joins Matt to discuss just t...
Home Insurance Set To Rise By 20 Per Cent/ESB Makes Massive Profits
16 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Charlie Weston, personal finance editor Irish Independent, joins Matt to discuss the rise in home insurance, ESBs massive profits and BOI to open on S...
How To Reduce Your Household Energy Use By 10%
15 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
With the latest energy bill increases kicking in at the start of October, how can we reduce our consumption to soften the blow? Andy O’Donoghue, Dr...
Last Word On The Environment : Patagonia Founder Gifts Company Towards Climate Action
15 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The founder of clothing company Patagonia has decided to put future company profits towards fighting climate change saying 'Earth is now our only shar...