The Last Word with Matt Cooper

On Monday, Manchester United announced that Ruben Amorim had been sacked as head coach of the club after 14 months in charge. The 40-year-old’s final game was a 1-1 draw with Leeds at Elland Road which left Man United sixth in the Premier League table after 20 games. Miguel Delaney, Chief Football Writer with the Independent and Will O’Callaghan from Off The Ball speak to Matt about how Amorim’s r...

Sarah Slattery from TheTravelExpert.ie speaks to Matt about what trends we can expect to see from Irish holidaymakers this year. Are peak summer months like July and August becoming less appealing due to prices, heat and crowd sizes? Do you get more bang for your buck travelling early in the year, and what exactly is luxe-scaping? Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear Sarah’s predictions.

Joe O’Shea and Elaine Burke join Matt to preview what programmes we can look forward to in 2026. Meanwhile, The Traitors returned to BBC One on New Year’s Day and viewers were left surprised at an early twist in the format of the show. Hit the 'Play' button on this page to hear the chat.

On Monday, deposed Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro pleaded not guilty to charges against him including drug terrorism conspiracy, cocaine-importation conspiracy and possession of machine guns and destructive devices. Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone speak to Matt about the White House’s actions over the weekend and the wider, long term implications of the move. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page...

Matt is joined by Will O'Callaghan to discuss the biggest sporting moments of 2025. From athletics to rugby, from Troy Parrott to Rory McIlroy they discuss a massive year for Irish sport Hit Play on this page to listen now

As 2025 comes to a close, The Last Word pays tribute to all of those who have passed away throughout the year. That includes movie legends Robert Redford and Diane Keaton; musicians Ozzy Osbourne and Chris Rea; beloved Irish figures Manchán Magan and Hugh Wallace; and many more. Press 'Play' to hear The Last Word's legacies reel.

This week on the Last Word on TV & Streaming, Joe O'Shea and Elaine Burke join Matt to give you the best recommendations for what to watch over Christmas. From Stranger Things to Amadeus and more you won't be stuck for things to watch over the festive season Hit Play on this page to listen now.

This week on The Last Word on The US Matt is joined by Journalist Marion McKeone and Law Lecturer and Columnist Larry Donnelly to look back on the biggest American stories from the year. They chat about all things Donald Trump, the death of Charlie Kirk and more Hit Play on this page to listen now

With news that Driving Home For Christmas singer Chris Rea has died age 74, John Caddell joins Matt to talk about his career and some of his biggest hits We also some memories of Chris Rea from listeners Hit Play on this page to listen now

Paschal Donohoe, Managing Director of the World Bank and journalist Lise Hand return to give their non-fiction recommendations of the year. Their choices are below. To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page. Lise's choices 1. Careless People: Sarah Wynn-Williams 2. The Secret Life of Leinster House: Gavan Reilly 3. I’m Glad You Asked Me That: Terry Prone  4. When th...

Ambulance services are being abused by late night revellers who call 999 to get them home due to taxi shortages, according to paramedics; a primary school was forced to ask students to bring in their own toilet roll due to funding shortages; and the woman caught up in the viral Coldplay kiss cam has broken her silence. Fionnuala Jones and Dave Hanratty join The Last Word to discuss the week's tren...

Irish Times columnist and 'An Irish Diary' writer, Frank McNally talks to Matt about his early career in the civil service and how he got into journalism. In his new book, he turns his attention inwards and reflects on his unusual life. Frank's book is called Not Making Hay, The Life And Times Of A 'Diary' Farmer. To listen to the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

Brian Lloyd and Cara O'Doherty join The Last Word to recommend some great movies to watch over the Christmas period. From 'Saipan' and a brand new 'Knives Out' to Christmas classics like 'The Muppets Christmas Carol', there are so many great movies to playing in cinemas and on TV and streaming. Hear all of their recommendations by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

For The Last Word on the Environment this week John Gibbons joins Matt to give us some reasons to be cheerful in the fight against climate change They discuss Ireland's move towards renewable energy like wind and solar Hit Play on this page to listen now

Matt is joined by Ian Guider for the annual business review for 2025 They look back on some of the biggest business news of the year Hit Play on this page to listen now

On this week's Tech Thursday Andy O'Donoghue give us suggestions for some last minute Christmas presents Andy has suggestions for power banks, smart home tech and more Hit Play on this page to listen now

Fresh from winning the Popular Book of the year at this year's An Post Irish Book Awards for her latest book Paper Heart, Cecelia Ahern joins Matt in the culture club to run through the music, movies, TV, books and plays that have been the soundtrack and influences in her life. To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

The European Union is proposing a crackdown on Airbnbs and other short term rentals as part of a major plan to tackle the shortage of affordable homes in the EU. Máire Ní Mhurchu, chief executive of Irish Self Catering Federation, and Kathleen Funchion, Sinn Fein MEP, join The Last Word to discuss the EU's plan. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

This week on The Last Word on Personal Finance Charlie Weston gives give advice on how to minimise the cost of your family food shop this Christmas. We also hear about the difference between men and women's Christmas shopping habits Hit Play on this page to listen now

From Rosalia to the return of Pulp, John Caddell, Dee Reddy and Dave Hanratty join The Last Word to run through their picks for the best albums of 2025. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

US President Donald Trump has been condemned for a social media post in which claimed that director and actor Rob Reiner and his wife Michelle were killed due to the filmmaker's criticism of the president. Cal Thomas and Larry Donnelly join The Last Word to discuss this and more of the latest news from the United States. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

The big politics story of the day is storm that continues to swirl around Michael Martins leadership of his party as questions still remain over the handling of Jim Gavin's disastrous Presidential bid. Matt is joined by Political Correspondent at the Irish Examiner Louise Burne and Editor at the Business Post Daniel McConnell to discuss Martin's position Hit Play on this page to listen now

Edel Coffey, novelist and columnist, and Kevin Power, author and assistant professor at Trinity College Dublin, join The Last Word to discuss their picks for the best fiction of 2025. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Matt is joined by Joe O'Shea and Elaine Burke to discuss the best tv and streaming of 2025. Joe and Elaine give a rundown of the finest tv of this year that you may have missed to give you inspiration for some Christmas viewing Hit Play on this page to listen now

In the wake of the horrific attacks at a Hannukah event at Bondi beach, questions are being raised about the growth of antisemitism in Ireland and around the world. Matt is joined by founder of Holocaust Remembrance Ireland Oliver Sears to discuss Hit Play on this page to listen now