The Last Word with Matt Cooper

The 2025 National Ploughing Championships got underway in Screggan, Co. Offaly on Tuesday with up to 300,000 people expected to attend over the coming days. Macra has called for “immediate action” to tackle the drop in numbers of young farmers in Ireland, with just 4% now under the age of 35. Catriona Morrissey, News Editor at the Irish Farmers Journal, and Sean Kelly from Macra spoke to Matt on T...

Former Munster, Ireland and British and Irish Lions scrum half Conor Murray has released his autobiography, Cloud Nine: My Life In Rugby. He spoke to Matt about his decorated career, how Munster's "conservative" approach to recruiting players impacted the province's success, and what lies ahead now that he's retired from the game. Hit the 'Play' button on this page to hear the chat.

This week on The Last Word on TV and Streaming, Matt is joined by Elaine Burke and Joe O'Shea to discuss the big winners from the 2025 Emmys including Netflix's Adolescence, which saw 15 year old Owen Cooper become the youngest male Emmy winner ever. They also discuss the growing list of countries that say they will not participate in Eurovision unless Israel is banned. Hit Play on this page to li...

Former Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader, Leo Varadkar has released his autobiography ‘Speaking My Mind’. He joined Matt on The Last Word to discuss his career in politics and why he resigned in March 2024, the ongoing housing crisis in Ireland, and receiving threats to his home while in office. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

Would you be interested in trekking across the Sahara Desert on a camel? Or what about staying in somebody's home for free in exchange for looking after their pet? Sinead Kennedy, travel expert and host of wellness activity breaks, joins The Last to discuss a wide range of holidays that are out there for people who want an alternative break away. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button o...

Ireland will send its biggest ever team to this year’s World Athletics Championships this year, which gets underway in Tokyo on Saturday morning. With 28 athletes across 14 different events, what are Team Ireland’s medal hopes for the upcoming campaign? Journalist Cathal Dennehy joined Matt to discuss what fans can expect over the coming days. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.

A man suspected of shooting dead the conservative activist Charlie Kirk is in police custody in the US; a new Banksy mural is removed from the Royal Courts of Justice in London; and a EuroDreams player in Ireland has won €20,000 every month for 30 years. Elaine Burke, host of the 'For Tech's Sake' podcast, and Dion Fanning, co-host of the 'Free State' podcast, join The Last Word to discuss the wee...

Andy O'Donoghue previewed Apple's latest products launched this week, the iPhone 17 and the iPhone Air. To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

Michael Moynihan, author and journalist with the Irish Examiner, has published his latest book 'More Than A Game: The GAA and Where It's Going". How will Gaelic football's rejuvenation impact the popularity of hurling across the country? Can the GAA, the LGFA and the Camogie Association realistically exist under one roof? How might rural depopulation impact the future of clubs in the west of Irela...

On Wednesday night, the death was announced of US conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, after he was shot at a university event in Utah. US President Donald Trump confirmed the news, saying “The great, and even legendary, Charlie Kirk is dead. No one understood or had the heart of the youth of the United States of America better than Charlie.” Marion McKeone spoke to Matt on Thursday about Kirk’s...

RTÉ has announced that it will not take part in the 2026 Eurovision Song contest "if the participation of Israel goes ahead". Elaine Burke, host of the 'For Tech's Sake' podcast, joins The Last Word to discuss the broadcaster's statement and whether other countries may follow suit. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Donald Trump's Doonbeg Golf Club will host next year's Amgen Irish Open. This is the first time the Co. Clare course will host the tournament, with Taoiseah Micheál Martin saying that President Trump would be "welcome" to visit Ireland. Larry Donnelly, Law Lecturer at University of Galway & Political Columnist with TheJournal.ie and Lawrence Donegan, Founder & Editor of McKellar Magazine s...

Poet, playwright and spoken word performer FeliSpeaks was the latest inductee into the Culture Club where they discussed their play Octopus Children that has debuted as part of Dublin Fringe Festival. FeliSpeaks also discussed their favourite music, TV shows, books and cultural buried treasures. To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

Energy provider Energia has announced a price increase of up to 12.1% for its electricity but Electric Ireland is cutting its gas prices while its electricity rates stay the same. Why is one provider raising prices while another is cutting them? And how can consumers get a better deal? Charlie Weston, personal finance editor with the Irish Independent, joins The Last Word to discuss. Catch the ful...

The White House has denied that an alleged letter from Donald Trump to Jeffrey Epstein for Mr. Epstein’s birthday is authentic. The letter features a drawing of a woman’s body and appears to be signed by the US President. Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone spoke to Matt on Tuesday’s The Last Word. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.

In the Last Word On Business, Ian Guider, Business Columnist with The Business Post, outlined the plans from Ryanair to seek a judicial review of the ruling capping night flights at Dublin airport. Ian also explained what is happening in terms of a planned overhaul of the judicial review process to end some challenges to developments. He looked ahead to the release of the iPhone 17.

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 M...

'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...

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.

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...

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...

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 conver...

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!

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.

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.