The Last Word with Matt Cooper
News & Politics
About
On Ireland's most cutting edge current affairs show, Matt and his guests provide a running stream of intelligent opinions and heated debates on the issues that matter most to Irish listeners. You might not always agree, but you'll never want to miss a Word.
Episodes
- The Week Trending: Hantavirus, Attenborough Turns 100 & Pre-flight Pints
This episode of The Last Word discusses trending news, including the hantavirus outbreak, David Attenborough's 100th birthday, and Michael O'Leary's controversial stance on pre-flight pints. Deirdre O’Shaughnessy and Jennifer Horgan join M…
- The Last Word On Movies: Should Stars Of Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey Have American Accents?
Brian Lloyd joins The Last Word to review 'Mortal Kombat II' and 'The Sheep Detectives'. He also discusses the debate surrounding American accents and contemporary language in Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey' trailer.
- Environment: David Attenborough Turns 100
John Gibbons joins Matt Cooper on The Last Word to celebrate David Attenborough's 100th birthday and career. They also discuss Dublin City Council's decision to ban bin bags on additional city-center streets.
- Tech Thursday: The Pivot From Fitness To Wellness Gadgets
Andy O'Donoghue explores the shift from fitness to wellness gadgets, running through new technologies like smart lamps, fitness rings, sleep masks, and temperature regulators. The discussion covers how these devices are designed for deep r…
- Culture Club: Jess Kav
Jess Kav joins The Last Word with Matt Cooper to chat about her favorite music, movies, and TV. This episode is part of The Culture Club series.
- Michael O’Leary Urges Ban On Early Morning Airport Drinking As Bad Behaviour Rises
Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary advocates for a ban on early morning alcohol service at airports to curb disruptive passenger behavior. Ali Dunworth, author of "A Compendium of Irish Pints," joins the discussion.
- Ireland Has The Highest Electricity Prices In Europe
Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor of The Irish Independent, discusses the Eurostat survey of electricity prices in Europe. He also explains the hidden insurance costs associated with adding a modular home to property.
- The Last Word On The US: US & Iran Risk Slipping Back Into All Out War
This episode of The Last Word with Matt Cooper discusses the risk of renewed conflict between the US and Iran, featuring insights from US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. Marion McKeone and Larry Donnelly also join to cover other recent new…
- Should Ireland Switch To Nuclear Power?
Taoiseach Micheál Martin believes Ireland should explore nuclear power to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. This episode features a discussion with Dr. Paul Deane and Senator Malcolm Noonan on the topic.
- The Week Trending: Fewer Marriages, Tipping Culture & Bad Behaviour on Planes
This episode of The Last Word with Matt Cooper features Emily Keegan and Lorcan Nyhan discussing current news. Topics include a decline in marriages and Ireland's tipping culture.
- What Next For Patrick Kielty And The Late Late Show?
This episode of The Last Word with Matt Cooper discusses the future of The Late Late Show, including rumors of Patrick Kielty's departure and potential new hosts. Brenda Power and Elaine Burke share their insights on the topic.
- Why Is The M50 So Congested And How Can It Be Fixed?
Professor Brian Caulfield joins The Last Word to discuss the reasons behind M50 congestion and possible solutions. Trinity Centre for Transport Research is conducting a survey to gather user opinions on the impact of congestion and desired…
- Filmmaker David Gleeson On His Love Letter To Irish Cinemas
Filmmaker David Gleeson discusses his feature film 'Once Upon A Time In A Cinema'. The film is based on his family's experience running cinemas in rural Ireland. He joins The Last Word with Matt Cooper to discuss the project.
- The Last Word On Movies: The Devil Wears Prada 2
Cara O’Doherty and Matt Cooper discuss The Devil Wears Prada 2, comparing it to the original film. The episode features a review of the movie.
- Is This The End For LIV Golf?
Kieran Cunningham joins Matt Cooper on The Last Word to discuss the future of LIV Golf as questions arise after Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund reportedly withdraws its funding.
- The Last Word on the Environment: Are Solar Panels For You?
John Gibbons and Matt Cooper discuss environmental topics. They cover the Nature Restoration Plan and solar panels in this episode.
- Tech Thursday: How To Recognise AI Deepfakes
In this episode, Andy O'Donoghue discusses how to recognise AI deepfakes, prompted by a video falsely portraying Tánaiste Simon Harris. He also covers a new online course designed to educate people on AI.
- Katriona O'Sullivan on Her New Book Hungry & Her Journey To Love Her Body
Professor Katriona O'Sullivan speaks with Matt Cooper about her book 'Hungry: A Biography of My Body'. She shares insights into her personal journey towards self-acceptance and body love.
- Culture Club: Peter O’Brien
Designer Peter O'Brien joins Matt Cooper for Culture Club, discussing his involvement in the 'Incognito' campaign, an online art sale benefiting the Jack and Jill Children's Foundation on May 20th.
- Tánaiste Simon Harris On Govt Response To Fuel Crisis
Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris joins The Last Word to discuss the government's response to the ongoing fuel crisis.
- Lesley Bond on Her New Book and Life on the Blasket Islands
Lesley Bond joins Matt Cooper to discuss her memoir, "Blasket Bound," detailing her experiences as a caretaker on the Blasket Islands. She shares insights into her time on the uninhabited islands.
- The Last Word On The US: Jimmy Kimmel Defends Melania 'Expectant Widow' Joke
Jimmy Kimmel defended his "expectant widow" joke about Melania Trump. Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone joined The Last Word to discuss this and more of the latest news from the United States.
- Calls For Tax Relief On Children's Sports Club Memberships
Fianna Fáil TD Peter 'Chap' Cleere advocates for a 20% tax relief on children’s sports club memberships. He will propose this measure in the upcoming October budget, citing potential annual family expenses of up to €1,500 for multiple chil…
- The Inside Story Of The Investigation Into The Murder Of Tina Satchwell
Journalist Barry Cummins, author of ‘Buried Secrets: The Murder of Tina Satchwell’, speaks with Matt Cooper on The Last Word about the case. He discusses the investigation into Tina Satchwell's disappearance in 2017 from her home in Yougha…
- World Marathon Record Broken as Two Runners Finish in London in Under Two Hours
Two runners finished the London marathon in under two hours, breaking the world record. Sabastian Sawe completed the race in 1 hour, 59 minutes, and 30 seconds. Matt Cooper and Athletics Journalist Cathal Dennehy discuss this achievement.
- King Charles Touches Down in Washington in wake of Correspondents Dinner Shooting
King Charles and Queen Camilla have commenced their US visit after the White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting. LBC presenter Nick Ferrari provides an update on their visit.
- The Last Word on Travel: Marrakech, Morocco
Sarah Slattery provides travel tips for Marrakech, Morocco, on The Last Word on Travel. She covers key information for planning a trip to the Moroccan city.
- Govt Considering One-Off Payments For Heat Pumps To Help Households With Energy Costs
The Irish government is exploring one-off payments for home energy efficiency upgrades, such as heat pumps, and electric vehicles. This initiative aims to support households facing high energy costs and decrease dependence on fossil fuels.…
- The Week Trending: Ryder Cup Tickets, Online Learning & Far-Right Conspiracies
Matt Cooper is joined by journalist Kate Henshaw and Eoghan McDermott to discuss the week's trending stories: Ryder Cup ticket prices, a potential return to school from home, and far-right conspiracies. They also discuss other top news ite…
- Number Of US Troops Passing Through Shannon Airport Up By 80%
Conor Gallagher discusses new figures from The Irish Times showing an 80% increase in US troops traveling through Shannon Airport. This increase occurred before and during US attacks on Iran.
- Ruth Medjber On Her 2026 Census
Ruth Medjber joins The Last Word to discuss her "Sin Scéal Eile" project. For 365 days, she is traveling Ireland to photograph people and record their stories for the 2026 census.
- The Last Word On Movies: Michael Jackson Biopic 'Michael'
Brian Lloyd reviews the Michael Jackson biopic 'Michael', which covers his career from the Jackson 5 to his solo career. Also reviewed are the psychological drama 'Mother Mary' and the Japanese horror film 'Exit 8'.
- The Last Word on the Environment: Climate Change Making Hayfever Worse
This episode of The Last Word on the Environment features John Gibbons discussing the impact of climate change on hayfever. The conversation also covers the government's environmental strategy.
- What Does The Future Look Like For Apple After Tim Cook Steps Down?
Tim Cook is stepping down as CEO of Apple, and John Ternus will take over. This episode of The Last Word with Matt Cooper discusses the future of Apple and the challenges facing John Ternus.
- Culture Club: Gavan Reilly
Gavan Reilly, political correspondent and presenter of Monday With Gavan Reilly, is featured on The Last Word's Culture Club. He discusses his favorite music, movies, and TV shows with Matt Cooper.
- Ryder Cup Tickets Priced At Almost €500 Per Day
The 2027 Ryder Cup tickets at Adare Manor are going on sale for a record €499 per day. Larry Donnelly discusses with Matt Cooper on The Last Word how this price point might exclude ordinary fans from attending major sporting events.
- Jan Carson Reimagines A Plan To Drain Lough Neagh In Latest Novel
In her novel "Few And Far Between", Jan Carson reimagines a 1958 plan to drain Lough Neagh. She explores what might have happened if the plan was completed and how the area might have been used for refuge during conflict. The conversation…
- The Last Word On The US: FBI Director Files Lawsuit Against The Atlantic
Kash Patel, FBI Director, has filed a defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic. The lawsuit follows the publication's reports of "excessive drinking and unexplained absences." The episode also covers Donald Trump's recent comments on the wa…
- How A Cheating Scandal Shocked The World Of Irish Dancing
Journalist Ellen Coyne speaks about the Irish dancing cheating scandal, where competition results were agreed upon in advance. She discusses her book, "Dirty Dancing: The Inside Story of the Irish Dancing Cheating Scandal," which explores…
- The Rise Of The Trillion Dollar ‘Longevity’ Industry
Kathryn Thomas discusses her discoveries from "Young Forever: The Death of Ageing?", where she explored efforts to slow down aging and prolong life. She shares her insights on The Last Word with Matt Cooper.
- Daniel Kinahan Set To Appear Before Dubai Court
Conor Lally, Crime and Security Editor of the Irish Times, discusses Daniel Kinahan's upcoming appearance before a Dubai court. He also explains the unknown charges Kinahan would face in Ireland and the potential extradition timeline and g…
- The Last Word On Travel: Destinations From Shannon Airport
Sarah Slattery discusses destinations available from Shannon Airport on The Last Word. She highlights options for Irish holidaymakers.
- The Week Trending: Daniel Kinahan Arrest, FF Heave Falls Short & Hegseth Goes Tarantino
This episode of The Last Word with Matt Cooper covers the arrest of Daniel Kinahan in Dubai, with analysis from Stephen Breen. It also discusses trending stories including an attempt to oust Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Pete Hegseth.
- Redevelopment Scheme For Run Down Properties In Urban Centres Extended
The Living City Initiative, a scheme providing tax relief for properties in urban centers, will be extended to five new towns in Ireland. This initiative aims to encourage the redevelopment of rundown properties.
- Environment: Should The Carbon Tax Be Scrapped?
This episode of The Last Word with Matt Cooper discusses whether the carbon tax should be scrapped. It explores the impact on fuel prices and Ireland's climate targets, with commentator John Gibbons joining Will O’Callaghan.
- Irish Rail To Increase Security After Increase In Anti-Social Behaviour
Irish Rail will increase security on its services following reports of anti-social behavior, including racial abuse, violence, and drunken conduct. Jane Cregan from Irish Rail joins Will O’Callaghan to discuss the situation.
- Tech Thursday: The Latest In Smart Home Monitoring
Andy O'Donoghue explores the newest innovations in smart home monitoring technology. He covers devices that offer alerts for intruders, leaks, and fires, as well as smart locks and monitoring solutions without subscriptions.
- Culture Club: Megan Walsh
Megan Walsh, former member of Celtic Woman, discusses her new solo single 'Mo Chroí', as well as her favorite music and movies. She joins The Last Word for the Culture Club.
- Jack Crowley On Munster's Aims For The Rest Of The Season
Jack Crowley, Munster and Ireland outhalf, talks about Munster's season goals, his Six Nations performance, and the team's Challenge Cup exit. He also shares his experiences working with Johnny Sexton.
- Homeowners Turn To Renovations As Housing Shortage Makes Moving Unaffordable
New research from Core Research and the Credit Union Consumer Sentiment Survey indicates homeowners are resorting to home renovations due to a housing shortage and the high cost of moving. Charlie Weston speaks with Will O’Callaghan about…