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.
Kevin Keegan Remembered
On Monday, the death was announced of former English footballer and Newcastle United manager Kevin Keegan. He was 75.
Keegan, who twice won the Ballon d'Or, had been battle stage four cancer.
Dion Fanning, co-host of the Free State podcast, speaks to The Last Word to remember him.
Hit the 'Play' button on this page to hear the piece.
The Week Trending: Musk Vows To Create AI Version Of The Odyssey, Dior Comes To Dublin & Should There Be A Wealth Tax?
Paddy Duffy and Elaine Burke join The Last Word to run through the week’s trending stories including Elon Musk’s pledge to create a ‘historically accurate’ AI version of The Odyssey.
They also discuss the announcement that the famous fashion house Dior, which is led by Derry-born designer Jonathan Anderson, will hold its Fall/Winter 2027 runway show in Trinity College Dublin and how some UK millionaires are urging Andy Burnham to introduce a wealth tax.
Catch the full chat by pressing the ‘Play’ button on this page!
All-Ireland Championship Final
Will Kerry lift the Sam Maguire Cup for the 40th time? Or will Mayo make their comeback 75 years later?
David Brady, Colm Keys, and Ray Silke join The Last Word to have a look ahead at the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship.
To listen to the full chat, press 'PLAY' on this page!
Central Bank Launches Major Probe Into Life Insurance Companies
Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor with the Independent, has the details of the Central Bank investigation looking at potential overcharging of domestic life insurance companies for pensions and investment products.
According to Charlie, depending on the outcome of the probe, it could prove to be one of the biggest overcharging scandals since the tracker debacle.
To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.
Analogue Tech VS Smart Tech
Tech Journalist, Andy O'Donoghue, joins The Last Word to give his recommendations for both the tech savvy and the old school gardeners.
To listen to the full chat, press 'PLAY' on this page.
Culture Club: Adrian Dunbar
Actor Adrian Dunbar is the latest guest on The Last Word’s Culture Club.
The ‘Line of Duty’ star joins Matt to chat about his favourite music, movies, books and more.
Catch the full chat by pressing the ‘Play’ button on this page!
Do Irish Drivers Care About Road Safety?
237 drivers were arrested in 2025 on suspicion of driving whilst intoxicated. The number of drivers arrested four times was 12, with one driver being arrested six times.
Geraldine Herbert, Motoring Editor at the Sunday Independent, and Sheila Gilheany, CEO of Alcohol Action Ireland, join The Last Word to express their concerns and raise awareness for dangerous driving in Ireland.
To listen to the full chat, press 'PLAY' on this page!
Rising Divorce Rates Leaves People Without Pension Savings
According to new research conducted by the Independent Trustee Company, an increase in the number of couples getting divorced is leading to many people losing out on retirement savings.
Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor with the Irish Independent, joins The Last Word for Wednesday’s personal finance slot.
Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.
'Testimony' Documentary Explores Magdalene Laundries Abuse
Testimony, a documentary film created by Aoife Kelleher, explores the fight for justice by survivors of Ireland's Magdalene Laundries & Mother and Baby Homes.
Dr Mary Harney, survivor of a Mother and Baby Home, and Dr Maeve O'Rourke, Human rights lawyer, join The Last Word to share their experience in living through the institution and fighting for justice decades later.
To listen to the full chat, press 'PLAY' on this page!
The Last Word On The US: Iran Says It’s Now In A ‘Full-Scale War’ With US
Iran has said it is now engaged in a "full-scale war" after ten consecutive nights of strikes by the United States.
Scott Lucas, professor of International Politics at UCD, joins The Last Word alongside Marion McKeone and Cal Thomas to discuss the continued escalation in the Gulf and more news from the US.
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Gardaí & Cyclists Say New Legislation Won't Solve E-Scooter Problem
This week the Government agreed plans to impose further restrictions on the use of e-scooters after a spike in children presenting to hospitals with serious head injuries.
However, not everyone is convinced that the new laws will make the roads safer.
Ciarán Cannon, president of Cycling Ireland and a former minister of state, and Mark Ferris, detective garda in Blanchardstown and GRA representative for DMR West, join The Last Word to outline why they think further legislation won't stop e-scooter misuse.
Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this p...
The Last Word on TV & Streaming: Was the World Cup Halftime Show ‘Crap’?
This week on The Last Word on TV and Streaming Elaine Burke and Joe O’Shea join Matt to discuss if the World Cup Final’s Halftime show was as ‘crap’ as Wayne Rooney said
They also discuss their picks of the week
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Will a Ban on E-Scooters for Under-18s Work?
Matt is joined by Minister of State Vincent Browne after the news that the government is set to ban e-scooters for under-18s.
He's also later joined by Motoring Editor at the Irish Independent Geraldine Herbert to discuss whether the ban will be effective.
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The Last Word On Travel: French Riviera Travel Guide
Sarah Slattery from thetravelexpert.ie joins The Last Word to discuss the best cities and towns to visit along the French riviera.
Catch the full chat by pressing the ‘Play’ button on this page!
The Week Trending: Remembering Brenda Fricker, World Cup Half Time Show, & Appropriate Heatwave Attire
Lise Hand and Cathal O’Sullivan join The Last Word for the week trending.
They pay tribute to Oscar-winning Irish actress Brenda Fricker who has died at the age of 81.
They also look ahead to the World Cup final on Sunday and, as the heatwave continues, they ask, when is it acceptable for men to be topless in public?
Catch the full chat by pressing the ‘Play’ button on this page!
Trump Addresses U.S In Controversial Speech On Election Security
From complicated election data to the ever tender relationship with China, Law Lecturer at the University of Galway, Larry Donnelly, joins The Last Word to discuss the details of last night's speech.
To hear the full chat press 'PLAY' on this page now!
The Last Word On Movies: The Odyssey & Christopher Nolan's Best Films
Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of Homer's ancient Greek epic the Odyssey arrives in cinemas this weekend.
Brian Lloyd joins The Last Word to review 'The Odyssey' and discuss Christopher Nolan's best films to date.
Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
What Now For Tuchel & England After World Cup Capitulation?
England manager Thomas Tuchel has been criticised for the substitutions he made to his team after they went 1-0 up in the second half of the Fifa World Cup semi-final against Argentina.
Despite being a goal ahead in the closing stages of the game, they conceded two late goals and were knocked out of the tournament.
Miguel Delaney, Chief Football Writer with the Independent, speaks to Matt on The Last Word about what the future could hold for Tuchel.
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Should Farmers Get Funding To Help The Environment?
The Just Transition Commission has published a report in which it recommends farmers receiving long-term funding in order to tackle climate change issues and biodiversity loss.
Environmental commentator John Gibbons joins Matt on The Last Word.
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Tech Thursday: Gadgets To Make Memorable Family Days Out
Andy O'Donoghue joins The Last Word to chat all things tech when planning family days out during the heatwave.
To listen to the full chat press 'PLAY' on this page.
Culture Club: Jane Casey
Author Jane Casey is this week’s inductee into The Last Word’s Culture Club, as she marks the release of her new book ‘Everything She Didn’t Say’.
Hit the 'Play' button on this page to hear her choices.
Luke Combs Fans Warned To Beware Of Scammers
Bank of Ireland has warned music fans to be aware of online fraudsters and to only purchase tickets from verified sellers.
Charlie Weston, of The Irish Independent, tells Matt how to avoid getting scammed ahead of Irish festival season.
To hear the full chat, press 'PLAY' on this page now!
Over €1 Million Euro Was Spent On One Deportation Flight
The state paid more than €1 million for a single deportation flight when returning 42 adults & children to South Africa in June.
Fianna Fáil's Seamus McGrath, and Aontú's Peader Tóibín, join Matt to discuss the reasoning behind this high travel bill.
To hear the full chat, press 'PLAY' on this page now!
The Last Word On The US: Trump Backs Down On Plans To Charge Fees In Strait Of Hormuz
US President Donald Trump has backed down on his plans to charge a 20% toll on cargo going through the Strait of Hormuz and will instead have “Trade and Investment Deals” with Gulf states, he said.
Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone to discuss the renewed chaos in the region as the US and Iran face off over the vital waterway and more of the latest news from the United States.
Catch the full discussion by hitting the ‘Play’ button on this page!
2 Out Of 3 People Struggle To Get A Taxi After Night Out.
The Licensed Vintners Association has released a study which claims 67% of people have struggled to get a taxi home after a night out.
Donall O'Keefe, CEO of the LVA, tells us about who is most effected and what other options we have.
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Is Dublin City Centre Out Of Control?
Last week, Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon wrote a piece for TheJournal.ie detailing his walk home across Dublin city centre.
He detailed how he witnessed addiction, poverty, drug dealing, and what he described as a lack of political will to rejuvenate O’Connell Street.
He speaks to The Last Word about the current state of the city centre, and if there’s any solutions.
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TV & Streaming: Hacks And The Pitt Lead Emmy Nominations
Medical drama The Pitt has received 25 nominations for this year's Emmy Awards, with comedy Hacks just behind with 24 nods.
The awards will take place in LA on September 14th and will be presented by actress Mariska Hargitay.
Joe O’Shea and Elaine Burke join The Last Word.
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The Last Word On Travel: City Break Special - Copenhagen, Budapest, Berlin
Kaitlin Murphy from thetravelexpert.ie joins The Last Word for a city break special!
Kaitlin has three great travel guides for Copenhagen, Budapest and Berlin.
Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
How To Protect Your Dog During The Heatwave
Tips for staying cool during a heatwave aren't just for us humans.
Laura Mock, Head of Veterinary services at Irish Blue Cross, informs us on how to protect our pets from heatstroke throughout the high temperatures.
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The Week Trending: Count Binface, World Cup Bank Holiday & Heatwaves
This week on The Week Trending, Matt is joined by Journalist Kate Henshaw and Broadcaster Padraig Wilson McCarthy to discuss the week's stories.
They discuss Nigel Farage v Count Binface, a potential English World Cup Bank Holiday, the heatwave and much more.
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Man Almost Sucked Out Of Ryan Air Window
A man was almost sucked out the widow of a Ryan Air flight after the window detached mid-air.
Eoghan Corry, Editor of Travel Extra, joins Matt to discuss the terrifying moment for passengers on their German bound flight.
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Unions Across Europe Call For Worker Protections During High Temperatures
Trade unions across Europe are pushing for new measures to help employees working in extreme heat.
Among the precautions are workplace thermal limits, mandatory site heat risk assessments and rights to heat breaks. It’s estimated that there are 230 workplace deaths a year which are linked to high temperatures.
Environmental commentator John Gibbons speaks to Matt on The Last Word.
Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear their chat.
RTE Requires €65m Bailout In 2028, Broadcaster Says
RTE has said it will need an additional €65m from the government in 2028, suggesting that the number of households without a television has “increased steadily”, meaning it’s missing out on potential revenue.
Louise Burne, Political Correspondent with the Irish Examiner, and Fianna Fáil TD Albert Dolan speak to Matt on The Last Word.
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The Last Word On Movies: What To Expect In Irish Cinemas This Weekend
Olivia Fahy joins The Last Word to chat all about the new releases hitting Irish cinemas this weekend.
From The Rocks wig in Moana to watching Evil Dead Burn through her fingers, Olivia tells Matt what to look out for this weekend.
Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
Tech Thursday: Gadgets To Keep You Cool In A Heatwave
As the country sizzles under the second heatwave of the season, Andy O'Donoghue is back to run through the best gadgets to keep you cool.
From phone fans to air conditioners, smart water bottles, gel pillows and more, Andy has thought of everything.
To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.
Culture Club: Spider Stacy
Spider Stacy from The Pogues is the latest inductee into The Last Word Culture Club.
He joins Matt to discuss the influence of Irish music in his life, as he plans to tour with The Pogues and special guests from that very canon of new Irish acts.
He also discusses the cultural touchstones in his own life from music to movies, books, TV and plays.
To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.
How To AI Proof Your Career
Almost half of Irish workers believe artificial intelligence will replace or negatively impact their current role according to a new survey from FRS recruitment.
Colin Donnery, group CEO of FRS Co-Op, and Peter Cosgrove, managing director pf Careers Portal, join The Last Word to discuss how workers can AI proof their career.
Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
CCPC Raises Concerns About ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ Schemes
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has said its concerned that ‘buy now, pay later’ schemes could negatively impact financially vulnerable people and see them fall further into debt after being targeted by retailers with so-called “free credit”.
Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor with the Irish Independent, speaks to Matt on The Last Word.
Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.
Uisce Éireann Urges Households To Conserve Water During Heatwave
With temperatures expected to reach 30 degrees in parts of the country this week, Uisce Eireann is urging households to be more mindful of their water usage.
Margaret Attridge of Uisce Éireann, and Alan O'Reilly of Carlow Weather, join Matt to discuss their top tips to conserve water during a heatwave.
Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
The Last Word On The US: Trump Renews Demand For Greenland
US President Donald Trump has renewed his claim that Greenland “should be controlled by the United States” while at a Nato summit in Turkey.
Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone join The Last Word to discuss this and more of the latest news from the US.
Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
