The Last Word with Matt Cooper

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.

Additional €30m Being Sought To Fund 2027 Ryder Cup In Adare

Minister for Sport Patrick O’Donovan has said that the government expects a request for additional funding to address hospitality and infrastructure needs in Adare, Co. Limerick, ahead of the village hosting the Ryder Cup in 2027.The event is due to be held at Adare Manor, the luxury hotel owned by businessman JP McManus.Brian Carroll, author and Irish Times contributor, explained the story to Matt on Monday’s The Last Word.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.

09-09
10:28

Dr Suzanne Crowe On Healing, Heartbreak And Hope In Irish Children's Medicine

'Intensive Care: True Stories of Healing , Heartache and Hope from Inside Irish Children's Medicine' is a memoir from Dr Suzanne Crowe, consultant in paediatric intensive care medicine and president of the Irish Medical Council. The book details the enormous challenges faced by health staff who are dealing with incredibly vulnerable patients as well as the wonderful moments that can happen between doctors, patients and their families.Dr Suzanne Crowe joins The Last Word to discuss these stories and how her own tragedy has informed her work.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

09-08
16:28

The Last Word On Travel: The Best City And Snow Breaks This Winter

Are you thinking of booking a trip at the end of the year to beat the winter blues?Sarah Slattery from TheTravelExpert.ie has some suggestions for you to get the best value for your money, whether you want some winter sun, a trip to the slopes, or a bucket list holiday to see the Northern Lights!Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.

09-08
15:19

The Week Trending: Donnelly Out But McGregor In For Presidential Run; Dublin Parking Increase; & Counterfeit Labubus

Former Met Éireann forecaster Joanna Donnelly rules herself out of running for President of Ireland while MMA fighter Conor McGregor formally seeks nomination; the cost of Dublin parking permits increases fourfold; & counterfeit Labubus are seized over safety concerns.Larry Donnelly and Emily Keegan join The Last Word to discuss the week's trending stories.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

09-05
23:46

Hoteliers React To Minister's Claim They Are "Robbing People" Around Big Events

Minister for Arts, Culture and Sport Patrick O'Donovan has accused hoteliers of "robbing people up to their eyeballs" and has warned the industry that a promised cut in the hospitality VAT rate in October's Budget is not guaranteed.Paul Gallagher, chief executive of the Irish Hotels Federation, and Eoghan Corry, travel journalist with travelextra.ie, join The Last Word to discuss the Minister's claim that hotels are price gouging consumers.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

09-05
15:58

Farage Compares UK to North Korea Over Arrest Of Linehan

Nick Ferrari, Presenter of Nick Ferrari At Breakfast on LBC, discussed the arrest of writer Graham Linehan on suspicion of inciting violence with X posts and his court appearance on separate harassment allegation. He also explained the impetus behind the Raise The Colours campaign in the UK that has seen the flying of Union Jacks and St George's Crosses around the country.To catch the full conversation press the play button on this page.

09-04
10:40

What’s The Best Fitness Tech For Me?

Tech journalist Andy O’Donoghue joined Matt on Thursday’s The Last Word to talk through all the best health and fitness tech that’s on the market.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.

09-04
12:37

The Last Word On The Environment: Is The Colour Of Your Car Harming Your Neighbourhood?

New research has found that dark coloured cars can make streets noticeably hotter and that the effect, when multiplied, can shift air temperatures in neighbourhoods and cities.John Gibbons joins The Last Word to discuss this and more climate news including podcaster Joe Rogan's claim that the earth is cooling.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

09-04
14:27

Culture Club: Myles O'Reilly

Myles O'Reilly, musician and filmmaker, spoke to Matt about working with President Michael D Higgins on his spoken-word album, Against All Certainty.He also discussed his favourite music, films, TV shows and books that have influenced his own work and life.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

09-03
31:48

Government Commits To More Public Sector Posts For People With Disabilities

Norma Foley, Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, outlined the newly launched National Human Rights Strategy For Disabled People 2025-2030.The minister also addressed the case a young boy in Donabate, missing, presumed dead.Tulsa had previously engaged with the boy and his family.To catch the full conversation, press the play button on this page.

09-03
15:30

One Third Of Irish Women Don’t Have Retirement Savings

Research conducted by the Irish-owned network of financial advisers Ask Acorn has found that the average Irish woman’s pension pot is 40% lower than a man.While one in four men have no retirement savings, the figure rises to more than a third for women in Ireland.Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor with the Irish Independent, spoke to Matt on Wednesday’s show.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.

09-03
10:40

The Last Word On The US: Why Are Rumours Flying About Donald Trump's Health?

Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone join The Last Word to discuss the latest news from the United States, including swirling rumours about Donald Trump's health.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

09-02
17:38

Fianna Fáil MEP Billy Kelleher On Why He Wants To Be Fianna Fáil’s Presidential Candidate

It’s looking increasingly likely that there will be a contest within Fianna Fáil ahead of the presidential election as both MEP Billy Kelleher and former Dublin Gaelic football manager Jim Gavin gather support from inside the party.Mr. Kelleher joined Daniel McConnell on The Last Word to discuss why he thinks he’d be the best candidate for the job.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

09-02
13:31

Irish Actor Cunningham On Support For Gaza Peace Flotilla

Irish actor Liam Cunningham joined Matt as he returned to Ireland from Barcelona where he supported the launch of the Global Sumud Flotilla of 50 vessels. He explained what aid is being carried by the flotilla, and what his meetings with Greta Thunberg have been like.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

09-01
11:54

The Last Word On Travel: Best Destinations For A Winter Break In The Sun

Sarah Slattery from thetravelexpert.ie joins The Last Word to discuss the best holiday destinations for those looking for some winter sun.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

09-01
11:23

The Week Trending: Radio Reshuffle, RIP.ie for pets, Ryanair Oversize Baggage Incentives

Pat Kenny is moving to the weekends on Newstalk and Claire Byrne is taking his morning slot.Jim Gavin is to seek the Fianna Fáil Presidential nomination according to the party's director of elections, Minister Jack Chambers.To discuss the day's news, and other trending stories from the week, Matt was joined by Lise Hand and Joe O'Shea.Hit play on this page to listen now. 

08-29
30:31

New Tax On Parcels Sent To The US Comes Into Effect - What Does It Mean For Irish Senders?

A new import tax on small packages sent to the United States has come into effect which means that people in the US who receive packages worth over €85 will now have to pay a 15% import tax.Garrett Bridgeman, managing director of An Post Commerce, joins The Last Word to discuss how they are facilitating the change and what Irish customers must do when sending parcels to the US.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

08-29
07:24

A 20 Year Odyssey Tracking Dolphins In Ireland

Irish filmmaker and undersea cameraman Ken O'Sullivan has spent the last two decades documenting the lives of dolphins off the coast of Ireland.He joins The Last Word to discuss his new documentary 'Dolphins: Wonders of the Ocean' which will soon air on RTÉ. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

08-28
12:16

3 Games Into The New Season, Is Ruben Amorim's Job At Manchester United On The Line Already?

Manchester United's woes continued on Wednesday night after League Two side Grimsby Town knocked Ruben Amorim's side out of the Carabao Cup.After a defeat and a draw in their opening Premier League fixtures against Arsenal and Fulham respectively, is the pressure already building on United to get a result against Burnley this weekend?Miguel Delaney, Chief Football Writer with the Independent, spoke to Matt on Thursday's The Last Word.Hit the 'Play' button on this page to hear the piece.

08-28
12:00

The Last Word on the Environment: Asian Hornets in Ireland and Climate Change Worsening Wildfires

This week on The Last Word on the Environment Matt is joined by founder and editor of ClimateChange.ie John Gibbons to discuss the week's biggest environmental news.This week they discuss the presence of Asian Hornets in Ireland growing, how Climate Change is making Wild Fires 22% more intense and more.Press play on this page to listen now.

08-28
14:08

Jonathan 67 🍀

Suprised you didnt have alison o connor on matt but maybe shes exclusively rtes attack dog, as i said before what a amazing country we'd have if hacks like you pursued with the same vigor this discredited ( children's hospital 14.5000 homeless including 4000 children) rag tag "coalition" as you do the shinners, thousands marching from the service industry of which i was 1 while genocide is ongoing in the middle east but the usual tropes and the playing the man instead of the ball continues.

10-16 Reply

mariela

#Free_Palestine #Down_with_Israel

09-24 Reply

bryan kerrigan

If Cal Thomas didn't have whataboutery he'd have nothing. He's a tiresome bore.

08-27 Reply

Darragh Hickey

Hahaha Sarah McGuinness thinking the fake tan article had merit 😂 Absolutely delighted to see people trying to import identity politics and the makey-uppy nonsense of cultural appropriation to Ireland left with egg on their faces 😂

05-13 Reply

Darragh Hickey

Jennifer Gannon - idiotic take.

06-03 Reply

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