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.
Environment: Chicken Feed Being Given To Salmon On Some European Farms
Some of Europe’s biggest salmon farms have started feeding chicken byproducts to their fish, with a reduction in carbon emissions and costs used as the reason for doing so. Commentator John Gibbons speaks to Matt on The Last Word. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.
Donaldson Sentence Shows Victims "It's Never Too Late To Come Forward", Says DRCC
Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for historical sex offences against two women when they were children.
Today FM report Emily Keegan joins The Last Word to outline the sentence and what was heard in court.
Later, Rachel Morrogh, chief executive of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, talks to Matt about the significance of this sentence for other survivors of sexual abuse.
Press 'Play' to hear the full discussion.
Tech Thursday: How To Recognise A Phishing Scam
Andy O'Donoghue explains what happened when supermarket fridges were targeted in a cyber attack in France.
Andy also runs through how to protect yourself from cyber crime.
To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.
Culture Club: Conor Horgan
Photographer Conor Horgan is the latest guest on The Culture Club.
He joins The Last Word to discuss his favourite music, movies, theatre and more.
Press the 'Play' button to hear his cultural picks!
300,000 Public Sector Workers Strike Across The Country
Jamie O’Hara, Today FM Reporter, gauges the mood of public sector workers striking at Cork University Hospital and at a school in Mallow. Louise Burne, Political Correspondent with the Irish Examiner, outlines the latest moves by Government and the reaction of the unions.
Adrian Kane, Deputy General Secretary of SIPTU outlines what the unions are looking for in terms of negotiations with Government.
Jerry Buttimer, Minister of State for Charities, Gaeltacht and the Islands & Rural Transport, says the Government is open to negotiations.
To catch the full conversation, press the play button on...
Why Our Obsession With Living Longer Has Gone Too Far
Seamus O’Mahony, author of 'The Longevity Delusion', joins The Last Word to discuss the vast pseudo-medical longevity industry which promises to 'cure' old age and cheat death.
After investigating the science behind this billion dollar industry, O'Mahony, a retired gastroenterologist, concludes that it doesn't live up to the hype.
Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
Personal Finance: Underinsuring Your Home Could Leave You Out Of Pocket
Homeowners are being warned that underinsuring their homes could leave them facing significant financial losses if they’re forced to make a claim. OUTsurance has advised people to review their cover ahead of the winter months when the weather can be more extreme and unpredictable. Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor with the Irish Independent, joins Matt on The Last Word. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.
Under Sea Cables: The Battle For Supremacy At The Bottom Of The World
Elizabeth Braw, author of The Undersea War, talks to Matt about her exploration of the network of oil, gas and data pipelines under the sea, and the potential security risks they pose.
To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' on this page.
The Last Word On Music: Fontaines D.C. To Release New Album On Friday
Fontaines D.C. are set to release their fifth studio album 'Dopamine Chamber' this Friday, October 16th.
Dee Reddy and John Caddell speak to Matt on The Last Word about what to expect from the record and about the band's growth over the last decade.
Hit the 'Play' button on this page to hear the chat.
The Last Word On The US: Trump Sells Out Ukraine For 300 Tonnes Of Diesel
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dubbed US President Donald Trump's decision to purchase Russian diesel "a gift" to Putin. Trump has faced widespread criticism for the move which undercuts years of effort to sanction Russia for its war in Ukraine. Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone 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!
Public Sector Strike To Go Ahead Despite Govt's Last Ditch Appeal To Unions
Public sector workers will strike on Wednesday despite a final plea from Government for unions to enter into talks to work out a new pay deal. Pat Leahy, political editor with the Irish Times, Joe Neville, Fine Gael TD for Kildare North, and Linda Kelly, general secretary of the Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland (ASTI), join The Last Word to discuss how the impasse can be resolved. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
Matt Meets Patrick Horgan
When Patrick Horgan retired from intercounty hurling in 2025, he did so as the highest scorer in championship history.
Horgan has now released his new autobiography “Hoggie: My Story”.
He joins Matt on The Last Word to talk about retirement, the narrative surrounding not winning an All-Ireland medal and the rumours that circulated about the Cork team after the 2025 final against Tipperary.
Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.
Is The Premier League In Crisis After Man City Hammer Liverpool?
After a three week international break, the Premier League returned this weekend and the pick of the fixtures was Sunday’s tie between Liverpool and Manchester City at Anfield.
It was City’s first game since being found guilty of breaching Premier League financial regulations, and much of the build-up was centred around the reception Liverpool fans would give City, and how Enzo Maresca’s side would handle the criticism.
Miguel Delaney, Chief Football Writer with The Independent, speaks to The Last Word about the significance of City’s 3-0 win.
Hit the ‘Play’ butt...
Ex-Swim Coach George Gibney Jailed For More Than 15 Years
Former swimming coach George Gibney has been jailed for fifteen years and six months for the sexual abuse of four girls between 1971 and 1981. Today FM reporter Jamie O’Hara joins The Last Word to outline the details of the sentence and Justine McCarthy, columnist with the Irish Times, joins to reflect on the long search for justice for Gibney’s victims. Press ‘Play’ to hear the full conversation!
Government Invites Unions To Last Minute Talks
Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers has invited public sector unions to talks at the WRC in a bid to avert strike action.
Fórsa General Secretary Kevin Callinan and Seamus McGrath of Fianna Fail discuss the planned strike and why unions have rejected the Government's invitation.
To catch the full conversation, press the play button on this page.
How To Talk To Your Sons About The Manosphere
Boys and young men are facing a crisis of online misogyny, with the manosphere continuing to grow while preying on vulnerable boys.
Matteo Bergamini, co-author of Man Enough with Amelia Fairney, joins The Last Word to advise parents on what steps to take so their boys will listen.
To listen to the full chat press 'PLAY' on this page!
The Week Trending
Paddy Duffy, freelance TV producer, and Emily Keegan, Today FM Journalist, join The Last Word to go through all the biggest stories of the week.
From Limerick's College Court to a firing squad livestream, you can hear the full chat when you press 'PLAY' on this page.
The Last Word On Environment With John Gibbons
John Gibbons joins The Last Word to delve into why the 2027 Budget is a disaster for Ireland's climate targets.
To listen to the full chat, press 'PLAY' on this page!
How Ireland Can Build More Houses
Economist Ronan Lyons, author of 'Brittle', joins The Last Word to discuss how Ireland reached the housing crisis that it's experiencing today and, more importantly, what can be done to fix it.
Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
Tech Thursday: Tech To Help You Reduce Your Costs
Andy O’Donoghue joins The Last Word with a list of technology to help you save money and reduce your bills this winter.
Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.
Culture Club: Tim Wheeler
Tim Wheeler, leader singer with Ash, is the latest inductee into the Culture Club. He joins Matt ahead of a series of solo, acoustic gigs around Ireland, and a celebration of 30 years of the album 1977 later this year.
Tim also discusses his favourite music, movies, books, TV and more.
To catch the full conversation, press the play button on this page.
John Boyne On Oscar Wilde
Author John Boyne talks to Matt about his new novel, The Weight Of Angels, which speculates on the life of Oscar Wilde and what might have happened if Oscar Wilde had ignored a taunt that led to a libel case and ultimately his imprisonment.
To catch the full conversation, press the play button on this page.
The Last Word On The US: Trump To Speak To Putin About Plague Death
US President Donald Trump has said he will speak with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin about the death of a lab worker at a plague research centre in Siberia.
Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone join The Last Word to discuss this and more of the latest news from the United States, including Trump's comment that an Iranian attack on LA would be "a small price to pay."
Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
Personal Finance: Your Budget 2027 Questions Answered
Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor with the Irish Independent, joins Matt for The Last Word’s personal finance slot to take a closer look at how Budget 2027 will impact you.
Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.
Government & Opposition On What's In Budget 2027
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke joins The Last Word to discuss the main points from Budget 2027.
Then Pearse Doherty of Sinn Féin and Cian O’Callaghan of the Social Democrats give their reaction to the budget measures.
And finally, Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers responds to criticism from unions who believe support for workers doesn't go far enough and also the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council's claim that this budget puts the public finances on a worse trajectory.
Get up to speed on Budget 2027 by pressing the 'Play' button on...
Budget 2027: What’s In It For You?
On Tuesday, Finance Minister Simon Harris and Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers unveiled the €8.6 billion Budget 2027 package on behalf of the government.
Dan O’Brien, Chief Economist at the Institute of International and European Affairs, Daniel McConnell, Editor of the Business Post and Nancy Fallon, Tax Partner at KPMG analyse the main takeaways on The Last Word.
Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.
What Does The Future Hold For Rural GAA Clubs?
Award-winning journalist and author Mick Clifford has released his memoir ‘There I Long To Be: Life Through A GAA Lens’.
Growing up in south Kerry, Gaelic football was something of a religion to Mick and his peers. Is the future of the rural GAA club now in danger, though, due to immigration and the urbanisation of Ireland?
Mick speaks to Matt on The Last Word.
Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear their chat.
The Last Word On Travel: Cost Saving Travel Hacks
Sarah Slattery from thetravelexpert.ie has tips and hacks to shave some money off your next trip, such as paying deposits on flights or using Sky Scanner to set up alerts for price drops.
To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.
Man City Appeal Against Premier League Judgement
Manchester City have lodged an appeal against the damning findings that they broke Premier League financial rules.
Miguel Delaney, chief football writer with The Independent, joins The Last Word to discuss what happens next for the club.
Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
Half A Million Trees To Be Planted In England – Should Ireland Do The Same?
Local authorities in England are set to receive funding to plant half a million trees in the next three years for protection against extreme weather conditions.
How effective will the move be, and should it be considered here in Ireland?
Commentator John Gibbons speaks to Matt on The Last Word.
Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.
Tech To Keep Your Home Ready For Any Weather
With cooler nights ahead, Andy O’Donoghue joins The Last Word to discuss the best tech for keeping your home ready for any weather.
To listen to the full chat, press ‘PLAY’ on this page!
How To Make Apartments More Attractive To Irish Homeowners
It's often said that the solution to Ireland's housing crisis is to build up instead of out.
But, apartments are expensive to build and many people have their heart set on having their own front door.
Lorcan Sirr, author of 'Housing A Nation', joins The Last Word to discuss how we can make apartments more attractive to Irish homeowners.
Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
Culture Club: Dónal Gallagher
Dónal Gallagher is the latest guest on The Last Word's Culture Club!
Dónal chats to Matt about his favourite cultural picks and his new biography about his brother Rory - 'Edged in Blue: A Rock 'n' Roll Odyssey with Rory Gallagher'.
Press 'Play' to hear his choices!
The Last Good Day On Earth
In his latest book, Mark Little explores how the internet was created, reminisces when it was an open curious space, and asks, can we get back there?
Mark joined The Last Word to discuss his latest work, The Last Good Day on The Internet.
To listen to the full chat, press 'PLAY' on this page!
Author Louise O'Neill On Her Quest For A Bigger Life
Author Louise O'Neill joins The Last Word following the release of her compelling memoir 'A Bigger Life'.
Louise chats to Matt about her quest to reclaim her own life which led to an eye opening dating experiment that took her across Paris, London, New York, and beyond.
Hear the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
Standoff At Drumcree Enters Third Day
The standoff at Drumcree has entered its third day as negotiations continue to find a solution to the parading dispute.
Alex Kane, former director of communications for the Ulster Unionist Party, along with Martina Devlin of the Irish Independent, join The Last Word to discuss the impact these tense days will have on future relations of the two parties.
To listen to the full chat, press 'PLAY' on this page!
The Last Word On Music: Oasis Sell Out Live ’27 Tour In Staggered Three Day Sale
Oasis have sold out their Live ’27 tour, including two dates at Slane Castle next September, following a staggered three-day sale which ran from Friday to Sunday.
The new process for purchasing tickets was introduced after backlash over the use of dynamic pricing for the band’s 2025 reunion tour.
John Caddel and Dee Reddy join The Last Word to discuss this and more of the latest music news.
The Last Word On The US: Incident At UK Airbase Involved Foreign Actor, Says Rubio
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that "the hands of a foreign actor" were involved in a suspected terror plot targeting an RAF airbase used by the United States.
His comments come after US President Donald Trump criticised UK police for releasing the five men arrested in connection with the incident on bail.
Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone join The Last Word to discuss this story and more of the latest news from the US.
Press 'Play' to hear the full discussion!
Louise Kennedy On Irish In London & Her Latest Novel 'Stations'
Author Louise Kennedy joins The Last Word to discuss her latest novel 'Stations'.
Louise chats to Matt about writing from her own life, the experiences of Irish in London and lots more.
Listen to the full conversation by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
The New York Time's 100 Best TV Shows
Breaking Bad has been crowned the Best TV Show of the 21st Century by The New York Times.
The list of 100 shows has been met with much criticism online, and John O'Shea, along with Elaine Burke, joined The Last Word to give their two cents.
To listen to the full chat, press the 'PLAY' button on this page.
