The Last Word with Matt Cooper
Episodes
Should Ireland Ban Under-16s From Social Media?
04 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Australia is set to ban all under 16s from using social media from next week but should Ireland follow suit? Matt is joined by Chief Executive of Cybe...
Why are Public Parks Under Attack?
04 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There have been numerous incidents of anti-social behaviour and vandalism in parks around Dublin this year with calls for greater presence of guards a...
The Best TV & Home Cinema Upgrades
04 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you're thinking of upgrading your TV or introducing a soundbar into your living room, The Last Word's tech expert Andy O'Donoghue has all the best ...
Culture Club: Donncha O'Callaghan
03 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Former Munster and Ireland international rugby player Donncha O'Callaghan is this weeks Culture Club.Matt hears all about his new children's book Disa...
Comedian & Author Jarlath Regan on The Gobshite Guidebook
03 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Comedian, podcaster and television personality Jarlath Regan sits down with Matt to discuss his new book The Gobshite Guidebook: A Survival Manual.The...
63% Of Teens Come Across Extremist Views Online, New Study Shows
03 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
63% of young people come across extremist views online, compared to just 6% in real life, according to a new study from the Ombudsman for Children’s...
Personal Finance: 1 In 4 Yet To Spend Last Year's Christmas Vouchers
03 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor with The Independent, discusses the findings of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission survey on C...
Last Word On Music: CMAT And Fontaines D.C. First EP Acts Announced
03 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dee Reddy and John Caddell discuss the latest music news including the first acts announced for Electric Picnic 2026, Daniel O'Donnell's planned sabba...
The Last Word On The US: Has Trump's Defence Secretary Committed War Crimes?
02 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Trump administration is under pressure for answers about military strikes on suspected Venezuelan drug boats, after a report alleged that United S...
Interview: John Banville on His New Book Venetian Vespers
01 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Acclaimed author and screenwriter John Banville sits down with Matt to discuss his new book Venetian Vespers.They also discuss his extensive career in...
The Last Word On TV & Streaming: Hugh Wallace Dies Age 68
01 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week on the Last Word on TV & Streaming Elaine Burke, Joe O'Shea and Matt discuss the death of TV presenter and architect Hugh Wallace They a...
Is De-Naming Public Property The Right Thing To Do?
01 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dublin City Council will discuss a proposal to de-name Herzog Park, named after the former Israeli president.There have also been discussions about re...
The Last Word On Travel: Stockholm And Berlin As Food Destinations
01 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Russell Alford, co-restaurant critic with the Sunday Times and one half of the GastroGays, joins The Last Word to chat about more of his top travel de...
The Story of Rory McIlroy as told by Timothy Gay
28 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Pulitzer-nominated author Timothy Gay sits down with Matt to talk about his new book Rory Land: The Up-and-Down World of Golf's Global Icon.In it he t...
The Week Trending: Campaign To Bring 'Civility' Back To Flying
28 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A new investigation puts Penneys clothing to the test; the US Department of Transportation urges air travellers to dress better and be more civil; and...
Emmet Kirwan: Focus Ireland Activism & A Christmas Carol
28 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Actor, playwright and activist Emmet Kirwan joins Matt in studio to talk about Focus Ireland's Christmas Campaign: No Child Without a Home.Along with ...
Why Are Birth Rates Falling Steadily?
28 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ireland's birth rate has fallen by 20% in just 11 years according a new report from the HSE which shows 53,185 babies were born last year compared to ...
Katriona O'Sullivan Reflects On Winning Two Awards At An Post Irish Book Awards
27 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Two years ago, author and academic Dr Katriona O'Sullivan won Biography of the year and Last Word Listeners' Choice at the An Post Irish Book Awards.S...
Good Cop Or Bad Cop? Did Cop 30 Achieve Anything For Climate Action
27 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
John Gibbons joins The Last Word to give his assessment of this year's United Nations Climate Change Conference in Brazil.Catch the full chat by pres...
Tech Thursday: Andy's Best Black Friday Deals
27 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Following on from The Last Word Gadget Show, Andy O'Donoghue runs through an A to Z of his best Black Friday and Christmas gifting ideas, from smart l...
The Last Word Gadget Show: Gaming And Computing
26 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Matt and Andy O'Donoghue are joined by broadcaster Fionnuala Jones and she gives her thoughts on the Nintendo Switch 2, the PS5 Digital Edition and la...
The Last Word Gadget Show: Sound And Fitness
26 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Matt speaks to 98FM's Cathal O'Sullivan and SPIN 1038 Presenter Faye Shortt after they spent the week testing fitness and sound gadgets.From speakers ...
The Last Word Gadget Show: Family Tech
26 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ed Smith joins Matt and Andy O'Donoghue to review the best gadgets available to children and families this Christmas.From robot dogs to DJ sets, Ed's ...
The Last Word Gadget Show: Health & Beauty
26 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today FM Lunchtime presenter Louise Cantillon joins The Last Word to chat about the health and beauty tech that she has been testing for the Gadget Sh...
The Last Word Gadget Show: Food & Drink
26 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As part of The Last Word’s Gadget Show, Russell Alford, 98fm producer and one-half of the GastroGays, has been trying out some incredible food and d...
The Last Word Gadget Show: Smartphones & Meta Glasses
26 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Last Word Gadget Show is back! Kicking it off, tech journalists Andy O’Donoghue and Elaine Burke join Matt to review the incredible products tha...
The Last Word On The US: Ukraine Peace Talks Continue
25 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The White House said on Tuesday that the United States has made “tremendous progress" towards ending the war in Ukraine but further talks are requir...
Nightmare Commutes: Waterford
25 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Last Word is continuing its series exploring the issues faced by commuters travelling to Ireland's cities and this time the focus is on Waterford....
How Does GDPR Prevent Spending Tracking?
25 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The government is often unable to track public spending due to fears it would break GDPR rules leading to issues with finding just where money is goin...
Richard Osman Talks His New Book, Pointless & More
24 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Legendary novelist and presenter Richard Osman joins Matt in studio to talk about his New Book The Impossible Fortune, the latest in the bestselling ...
Nightmare Commutes: Cork
24 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the fourth instalment of The Last Word’s series on the delays people face on their daily commutes in Ireland, we look at one of the country's bus...
What Does The US Want From A Ukraine-Russia Peace Deal?
24 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The United States and Ukraine are working on a 'refined' peace plan, aimed at bringing an end to Russia's war, after a leaked US-backed document was c...
The Week Trending: Troy Parrott Gives Ireland Hope & Ryanair Denies Price Gouging
21 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Troy Parrott's hattrick in Hungary has kept Ireland's World Cup dream alive but fans will have to fork out a lot of cash if they want to see the Boys ...
Nightmare Commutes: Dublin
21 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Last Word continues to look at the difficulties people face on their daily commutes around Ireland.Having already discussed the issues in Galway a...
Are Leaf Blowers Bad For The Environment?
20 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this week’s Environment slot, Matt talks to John Gibbons about the noise and air pollution produced by leaf blowers.Meanwhile, in response to an ...
Nightmare Commutes: Galway
20 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the second instalment of The Last Word’s series on the delays people face on their daily commutes in Ireland, we look at one of the country's mos...
Govt To Clamp Down On Firms Attempting To Dodge Pension Autoenrollment
20 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Government is bringing in emergency regulations to stop companies attempting to dodge the new pension auto-enrolment system by forcing employees t...
Tech Thursday: GPS Watches For Kids
20 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On the Last Word, Andy O'Donoghue previews the Last Word Gadget Show 2025.Andy also answers a listener's question on the best GPS watches for children...
Culture Club: Colm Williamson
19 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Colm Williamson, the man behind Waterford Whispers News, is this week’s entry into The Last Word's Culture Club.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this pa...
Nightmare Commutes - Congestion & Poor Public Transport Make Journeys Unbearable
19 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Commuters say they are facing longer journey times to and from work or school due to increased traffic congestion and poor alternative transport optio...
Drinking Culture Shift From Pub To Home
19 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
According to the latest Drinkaware survey, Ireland's relationship with alcohol is shifting, with 1 in 3 reporting drinking at home at least once a wee...
The Last Word On The US: Trump Urges Republicans To Vote To Release Epstein Files
18 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
US President Donald Trump has urged Republicans in the House of Representatives to vote to release the Epstein files despite spending weeks claiming t...
Paschal Donohoe Leaves Government For Role In World Bank
18 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Paschal Donohoe has stepped down from his role as Minister for Finance to take up a senior position at the World Bank, prompting a Cabinet reshuffle.D...
Troy Parrott’s Hat-Trick Sends Ireland To The World Cup Playoffs
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On Sunday, Troy Parrott delivered one of the most memorable moments in Irish sport when he scored a 96th minute winner against Hungary to send Ireland...
Prof Louise Crowley On Her Experience Of Living With Lupus
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Professor Louise Crowley is well-known as a professor in family law at University College Cork and director of the Bystander Intervention Programme, b...
Push For Older People To Split Homes Into Flats
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Conor Sheehan, TD, Labour Housing Spokesperson and Sean O’Neill McPartlin, Director of Housing Policy, Progress Ireland, debate the proposal from th...
The Week Trending: Remote Work Labelled A 'Mistake' & Calls To Reduce Voting Age
14 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Businessman Denis O'Brien has said remote working is a 'mistake' and graduates are 'entitled'; the Social Democrats have called for the voting age to ...
Keogh's Crisps Founder On Reviving The Reputation Of The Irish Potato
14 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Tom Keogh, founder of Keogh's Crisps, talks to Matt about being the overall family business winner at the Irish Family Business Awards.He also talks a...
Ireland Keep Their World Cup Dreams Alive, Can They Follow Through?
14 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ireland's shock 2-0 win against Portugal has kept their dreams of qualifying for next year's World Cup alive.Gavin Cooney, sportswriter with The42.ie,...
Sinn Féin Says Government's Housing Plan Ignores “Ordinary People”
14 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On Thursday, the government unveiled its new housing plan, promising a minimum of 300,000 new homes to be built by 2030.However, Sinn Féin has critic...
Dependence On Fossil Fuels “Biggest Block” To Ireland’s Climate Targets
13 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Climate Change Advisory Council has said that carbon emissions in Ireland’s transport sector remain “stubbornly high” and that more will nee...
Tech Thursday: Robo Hoovers
13 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Want to put your feet up while your house is cleaned?Andy O'Donoghue joins The Last Word to run through some of the best smart vacuums on the market.C...
Culture Club: Clodagh McKenna
12 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Chef and author Clodagh McKenna is the latest inductee into the Culture Club. She talks to Matt about her book, Clodagh's Happy Cooking.She also runs ...
Gambling, Gaming, Shopping & Porn - Significant Rise In Online Addictions
12 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A major conference this week heard that Ireland has seen a significant rise in behavioural addictions including excessive gambling, screen use and onl...
Are You Due A Tax Refund?
12 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Revenue has estimated that over 300,000 people are due an income tax refund which could be claimed back just before Christmas.People who filed a tax r...
The Last Word On The US: Senate Passes Bill To End Government Shutdown
11 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The US Senate has approved a Bill that would end the longest government shutdown in US history which has disrupted food benefits and left hundreds of ...
Single People Paying A Premium For Same Lifestyle As Couples
11 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Single adults need to earn significantly more than couples if they want to enjoy a comparable lifestyle, according to new research.Kelly Warburton, a ...
Catherine Connolly Becomes 10th President of Ireland
11 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Catherine Connolly has been formally declared the 10th president of Ireland following her inauguration at Dublin Castle on Tuesday.In her speech, she ...
The Last Word Podcast Pick: Lines of Enquiry
10 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Matt Cooper introduces Lines of Enquiry, a new true crime podcast from GoLoud. Presented by retired Garda forensic specialist John Sweetman, the serie...
Donald Trump Threatens To Sue The BBC
10 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On Sunday, the BBC’s Director General Tim Davie and Chief Executive of News Deborah Turness both resigned after they were accused of misleading view...
David Gillick On Life After The Cutthroat World Of Athletics
10 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Irish Olympian and former 400m runner, David Gillick spoke to Matt Cooper about his memoir The Race, charting the highs and lows of his athletics care...
The Last Word On Travel: Set Jetting
10 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From a luxury resort in Thailand to the rocky island of Skellig Michael, TV shows and movies are influencing travellers to see places they may not hav...
The Week Trending: 'Lion' Spotted in Clare, New York Chooses Mamdani
07 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week for The Week Trending Matt is joined by Journalist Lise Hand and Managing Director of the Communications Clinic Eoghan Tomás McDermott. The...
Ireland Footballer Jake O'Brien: How He Manages Sport with Diabetes
07 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Republic of Ireland Footballer & Diabetes Ireland Ambassador Jake O'Brien sits down with Matt to discuss how he manages his diabetes while playing...
The Incredible Life Of Jackie McCarthy O'Brien
06 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Jackie McCarthy O'Brien is a Limerick sporting legend, a former Ireland international soccer and rugby player. Jackie joined Matt in studio to talk ab...
Why Bill Gates Is Wrong About Climate Change
06 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Climate scientists have criticised billionaire Bill Gates for comments he made on climate change last week.Gates published a 17-page memo in which he ...
Culture Club: Hector Ó hEochagáin
05 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Presenter, writer and passionate advocate for the Irish language, Hector Ó hEochagáin was the latest inductee into the Culture Club.He spoke to Matt...
Where Will Ireland's Economy Be In Forty Years?
05 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Department of Finance this week published a major report which looks to provide a long-term economic and fiscal outlook for Ireland, set out over ...
Is Ireland’s Banking System Dysfunctional?
05 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
AIB, PTSB and Bank of Ireland were responsible for 93% of new mortgage lending in September 2025, which is considerably higher than the 60% figure rep...
Last Word On Music: John Lewis Ad Goes In '90s Direction
04 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As the annual John Lewis Christmas advert was released, Dee Reddy and John Caddell discussed the change in direction, as Alice Limerick's Where Love L...
The Last Word On The US: Dick Cheney Dies Aged 84
04 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Former US vice president Dick Cheney, who served under President George W Bush from 2001 to 2009, has died aged 84. Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone join...
The Double Life Of Richard Satchwell
04 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Earlier this year, Richard Satchwell was found guilty of the murder of his wife Tina in 2017.Journalists Ralph Riegel and Paul Byrne have released a n...
Miriam O'Callaghan On Taking On Facebook
03 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Broadcaster Miriam O'Callaghan spoke to Matt about her new memoir Miriam: Life, Work, Everything.She spoke about her 30 year career at RTÉ, juggling ...
The Last Word On Travel: Glasgow & Krakow As Food Destinations
03 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Russell Alford, co-restaurant critic for the Sunday Times and one-half of the GastroGays, joined The Last Word to chat about more holiday destinations...
DJ Carey Gets Five And A Half Year Jail Term For Fraud
03 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Former Kilkenny hurler DJ Carey has been jailed for five and a half years for defrauding 22 people by falsely claiming he was receiving treatment for ...
Ireland vs New Zealand Preview
31 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ireland will play New Zealand at Soldier Field in Chicago on Saturday night in a repeat fixture of Ireland's memorable 40-29 win in 2016.Billy Holland...
The Week Trending: Is Having A Boyfriend Embarassing?
31 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Is having a boyfriend embarrassing? A Vogue article, which went viral this week, has claimed that women are increasingly keeping their relationship un...
DJ Carey To Be Sentenced On Monday
31 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Frank Greaney, Today FM courts correspondent, and Eimear Ni Bhraonain, author of The Dodger: DJ Carey and the Great Betrayal, were at the sentencing ...
Michael Harding On His Journey Through The Irish Midwinter
30 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Writer Michael Harding joined The Last Word to discuss his new book 'Midwinter: A Journey Through a Season' which explores the cycle of death and rene...
'I Wish The Internet Had Never Been Invented' - Writer & Comedian Ben Elton
30 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Writer and comedian Ben Elton joined The Last Word to discuss his new memoir 'What Have I Done?'.He spoke about his reflections on his career, the dea...
Culture Club: Elizabeth Day
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
To celebrate the release of her new book 'One of Us', author Elizabeth Day joined Matt on The Last Word for the latest edition of the Culture Club.Hit...
"I'm Quite Resentful Of It" - Carl Kinsella On His Life With OCD
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Columnist and author Carl Kinsella joined The Last Word to chat about his new book 'At Least it Looks Good from Space: A Catalogue of Modern, Millenni...
Why Are Motorway Tolls Increasing Again?
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Transport Infrastructure Ireland has announced toll increases on a number of motorways and the Dublin Port Tunnel effective from January 1 next year.T...
Ireland Ranked Almost Worst For Income Tax Burden On Workers
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor with the Independent, outlined the findings of a new report from think tank Tax Foundation, that ranked Irelan...
British Airways Pulls Louis Theroux Sponsorship After Bob Vylan Appearance
28 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
British Airways has paused its sponsorship of journalist Louis Theroux’s podcast over an interview with Bob Vylan frontman Pascal Robinson-Foster.Th...
Dermot Desmond Hits Out after Brendan Rodgers Resigns as Celtic Manager
28 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Off The Ball's and The Last Word's Stephen Doyle joins Daniel McConnell to discuss the explosive reaction to Celtic manager Brendan Rodger's resigning...
The Last Word on the US: Trump Tours Asia & Government Shutdown Continues
28 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week on The Last Word on the US, Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone join Daniel McConnell to discuss President Donald Trump's tour of Asia including h...
Brendan Fanning on his New Book 'Touching Distance'
24 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Matt is Joined by one of Ireland's most accomplished rugby writers Brendan Fanning on his new book Touching Distance: Irish Rugby's Battle with Great ...
How The Far Right Used Social Media To Spur On Violence In Citywest
24 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Gardaí will maintain a presence around Citywest in the coming days following multiple days of violence in the area this week.Conor Lally, crime and s...
Communications Guru On Life Advising Political Leaders
23 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Terry Prone, author of I’m Glad You Asked Me That, spoke to Matt about her years working as a media trainer for the top political and business leade...
Why There Are Strong Arguments For And Against A United Ireland
23 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On Thursday, Matt spoke to journalists Fintan O’Toole & Sam McBride about the release of their new book “For and Against a United Ireland”.I...
Tech Thursday: Cycling Gear To Stay Safe And Seen This Winter
23 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As we come into winter and the days get shorter, it's important that cyclists take precautions while out on roads.Andy O'Donoghue joined The Last Word...
Think You Know The Presidents? Michael D. Higgins
23 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Michael D Higgins bows out of his two term presidency next month. For some, he leaves a national treasure who spoke from his head and his heart and wh...
Culture Club: Jamie Duffy
22 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Composer Jamie Duffy joined Matt for the Culture Club. He spoke about the inspiration for his debut eponymous album, that blends folk, classical and c...
Presidential Campaign Interview: Heather Humphreys
22 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On Friday, the country goes to the polls to choose who will become the 10th president of Ireland. Fine Gael presidential candidate Heather Humphreys j...
The Last Word on The US: White House Says No Plans For Trump-Putin Meeting In The Immediate Future
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There are "no plans" for US President Donald Trump to meet Russia's Vladimir Putin "in the immediate future", a White House official has stated.The up...
Presidential Election: What To Expect From The Closing Days Of The Campaign
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As the presidential election campaign draws to a close, the two remaining candidates - Fine Gael's Heather Humphreys and Independent Catherine Connoll...
Think You Know The Presidents? Mary McAleese
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From the Ardoyne to two stints in the Áras, Mary McAleese's presidency was shaped by her Northern upbringing and driven by a mission to unite communi...
Presidential Campaign Interview: Catherine Connolly
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On Friday, the country will go to the polls to vote for the 10th president of Ireland.Independent candidate Catherine Connolly joined Matt in studio f...
How To Spot The Signs Of A Brain Tumour In Children And Teenagers
20 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This National Brain Tumour Awareness Week, Brain Tumour Ireland is highlighting the symptoms of brain tumours in children and teenagers. Tumours of th...