The Last Word with Matt Cooper

Ford have announced that the Fiesta has reached the end of the road. First introduced in 1997, the Fiesta has had many different models and was a go-to for those looking for a small and affordable car. But what other popular cars have been given the chop over the years? Presenter and motoring enthusiast Anton Savage joined Matt on The Last Word to discuss the most-beloved decommissioned cars. Catc...

Emma Donoghue is the writer of the new movie 'The Wonder' coming to Netflix in November and starring Florence Pugh. The film is based on Emma's book by the same name and is not her first film adaptation. She also wrote the script for the 2015 film Room which was shortlisted for an Academy Award, Golden Globe and Bafta for Best Adapted Screenplay. On The Last Word, Matt spoke to Emma about the movi...

Recent anti-Semitic remarks made by rapper Kanye West have caused deep upset and have received widespread condemnation from celebrities, global corporations and fans around the world. On The Last Word, Matt spoke to John Caddell and Dave Hanratty about the comments and whether fans should continue to listen to West’s music in light of the controversy. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' but...

The World Meteorological Organisation has found there is now more planet-warming carbon dioxide, methane and nitrogen in the atmosphere than at any time since records began. Environmental commentator John Gibbons joined Matt on The Last Word to discuss this and more. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

In his new book, Ian McKinley explores how a catastrophic eye injury derailed his career and his path back to international rugby stardom. He joined Matt in studio to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

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. The HSE predicts a GP shortage of up to almost 1,400 by 2025. Dr Maura McLoughlin, GP in Galway City, spoke to Matt about the pressure on GPs in Ireland. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

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 six months. What is causing the shortage of teachers and how can the issue be solved? Irish Examiner Columnist and teacher Jennifer Horgan, and TUI President Liz Farrell joined us to discuss.

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 Thomas and Marion McKeone discuss this and more in our weekly US slot. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

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 every day. The result of that challenge is a memoir, reflecting on the personal and professional life of the Oscar-nominated actor. Richard joined Matt in studio to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

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 Dee Reddy have the say about these high-profile albums? Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

New treatment guidelines that redefine obesity care have been launched with the support of doctors, patient groups and the HSE. The guidelines move away from obesity being a ‘lifestyle illness’ to recognising that obesity is a disease driven by complex factors. Professor Dónal O'Shea is HSE National Clinical Lead for Obesity. He joined Matt to discuss what these new guidelines mean for patients an...

‘Life Begins In Leitrim : From Kurdistan to Croke Park’ is Zak Moradi’s autobiography. The former intercounty hurler tells his story of being born in a refugee camp and how he and his family ended up travelling from Iraq to Carrick-on-Shannon, and then settled in Tallaght. The book has been nominated in the Best Irish Sports Book category at the 2022 An Post Irish Book Awards, and Zak joined Matt...

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 the Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

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 superstars from his breakthrough role in ‘The Sporting Life’ to his much-loved performance in the first two Harry Potter films. The donation to UCC has been made by the Harris family. Richard’s son, ‘Mad Men’ actor Jared Harris, joins Matt to discuss thi...

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 Sol. However, the city itself is vibrant with lots to do and see. Sarah Slattery joined Matt to give her guide for visiting the Malaga city. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Given the extent of the current climate and energy crisis, Engineers Ireland have called on the Government to reconsider the legislative ban on generating nuclear energy. John Gibbons discusses this and other issues. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

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 hours leading to her resignation and where does this leave the British government? Rachel Cunliffe, Senior Associate Editor of New Statesman and Nick Ferrari, presenter of Nick Ferrari at Breakfast on LBC join us to discuss.

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 Brian Higgins.

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 of the Year. Bert Wright from the An Post Irish Book Awards joins us live in studio for the announcement, alongside a few familiar faces - Edel Coffey, Paul Howard, Aoife Dooley, Louise Kennedy and Aingeala Flannery.

Journalist and author Tommie Gorman discusses his new book ‘Never Better: My Life In Our Times’. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

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 choice of where to work, according to a new survey from the ISPCA. With a lot of new dog owners in the country since lockdown, should more workplaces have pet-friendly policies? CEO of the ISPCA, Dr Cyril Sullivan and vet Tim Kirby joined The Last Word...

Charlie Weston, personal finance editor with the Irish Independent, and Michael Dowling, managing director of Dowling Financial explain what the Central Bank’s easing of mortgage lending rules mean for first time buyers. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

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 it mean for renters and landlords? Daniel McConnell, Political Editor of the Irish Examiner and Pat Doyle, CEO Peter McVerry Trust join us to discuss.

Andy O’Donoghue, tech journalist, outlines how Meta’s latest technology will track eye movements of users and why this raises privacy issues. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Cal Thomas, nationally syndicated columnist and Marion McKeone, US Correspondent with the Business Post discuss the latest news from the US, including Kevin Spacey’s testimony at his civil trial in New York where he has denied the claim that he sexually assaulted a 14-year-old at a house party in 1986. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.