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.
Man United Beaten By Newly Promoted Hull On Opening Premier League Weekend
Manchester United began their 2025/26 Premier League campaign with a shock defeat to Hull on Saturday afternoon.
Meanwhile, Keith Andrews' Brentford had the perfect start with a commanding win over Tottenham, and Liverpool rescued a point against Newcastle thanks to a late Dominik Szoboszlai penalty.
Miguel Delaney, Chief Football Writer with The Independent and Off The Ball's Will O'Callaghan join Matt on The Last Word to look back at the weekend's results.
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TV & Streaming: The Traitors Ireland Returns This Week
The Traitors Ireland returns to our screens on Sunday night, and Matt speaks to Darren Smith, Managing Director of Kite Entertainment about what fans can expect from the castle this year.
Elaine Burke and Joe O’Shea also join to discuss the new series, plus the Netherlands’ decision to pull boycott Eurovision for the second year running.
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Another Side Of Costa Del Sol
Sarah Slattery, thetravelexpert.ie, explains why there is much more to the Costa Del Sol than beaches and bars. Sarah has all you need to know to explore the Spanish coastline including the famous white villages scattered along the hilltops, a walk through the Caminito Del Rey, and the marble streets of Malaga city, with it’s shops and museums.
To catch the full conversation, press the ‘play’ button on this page.
Premier League 2026/27 Season Preview
The new season of the Premier League begins on Friday night with champions Arsenal hosting newly promoted Coventry at the Emirates Stadium.
Can Arteta's side go back-to-back, what should we expect from Man City under Enzo Maresca and can Liverpool put their woes from last season behind them?
Gavin Cooney of the Irish Times, former Ireland international Tony Cascarino and co-host of the Free State podcast Dion Fanning preview the season ahead.
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The Week Trending: Cork Buskers Targeted, Mark Zuckerberg’s Castle & The Return of the Train Trolley
This week on The Week Trending, Matt is joined by Journlist Lise Hand and podcast producer with the Independent and host of No Encore podcast Dave Hanratty.
They discuss the ‘targeting’ of buskers in Cork, Mark Zuckerberg buying a castle in Ireland, the return of the Irish Rail trolley and more
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The Nerd Reich: Silicon Valley Fascism And The War On Democracy
Author of The Nerd Reich, Gil Durán, joins The Last Word to explore how 'tech fascism' continues to influence U.S politics.
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Tech Thursday: 29 US States Take On Meta Over Safety Record
A landmark US case is asking whether Meta deliberately designed parts of it's social media platforms to keep children and teenagers compulsively engaged. The case further claims that Meta knew those designs could cause harm, and then misled the public about the risks.
Andy O'Donoghue explains the case and the implications for Meta if the US states are successful.
To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.
Why Are Prince Harry And Meghan Returning To The UK?
Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, will return to the UK later this month after six years of living in the US with their two children reportedly due to start school there in September.
Nick Ferrari, presenter of Nick Ferrari at Breakfast on LBC Radio, joins The Last Word to discuss what triggered their move and what their life will be like upon their return.
Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
Culture Club: Gill Perdue
Crime writer, Gill Perdue, is the latest inductee into the Culture Club. Her novel, All Of Them Lie, centers around Thea, who is recovering from an injury and memory loss following a family holiday to Italy. All she has are some notes on her phone to remind her what has happened.
Gill talks to Matt about her new book, and her favourite music, movies, books and TV shows that have inspired her in life and work.
To catch the full conversation, press the ‘play’ button on this page.
New Doc Goes Behind The Scenes Of The Healy Rae's Bitter Fallout
A new documentary details the Healy-Rae family's 50-year political dominance in Kerry and goes behind the scenes on the dramatic split between brothers Michael and Danny.
Jerry Kennelly, executive producer of The Healy Raes: Blood, Sweat and Tears, joins The Last Word to discuss the legacy and the future of this political dynasty.
Catch the full by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
Fall In Baptisms Could Have Huge Impact On Schools & GAA Clubs
New research from the Iona Institute reveals that there has been a 30% decrease in baptisms over the last ten years in Ireland.
Tom Finegan, Chair of the Iona Institute, and Dan O'Brien, Chief Economist with the Institute of International & European Affairs, join The Last Word to discuss the wider impact this figure may have on the near future.
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Irish Shoppers To Be Hit With New Charge On Goods From Outside EU
Irish shoppers are set to be hit with a handling fee later this year for goods purchased outside the EU.
It’s predicted to cost an extra €2, which will be separate to the €3 minimum custom charge which was introduced in the summer.
Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor with the Irish Independent, joins Matt on The Last Word.
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Friederich's Ataxia Sufferers Call On HSE To Approve Drug They Say Would Transform Their Lives
Emily Felix is 28 and has had Friedrich’s Ataxia since she was 12 years of age. She is leading a campaign, along with other people who suffer from the condition, for the HSE to provide access to a new drug that slows the progression of the condition.
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The Last Word On The US: Who Is Natalie Harp? The Trump Aide Facing Claims Of 'Unhealthy' Relationship With The President
Democratic Senator John Ossoff, who is thought to be laying the ground for a presidential run in 2028, took aim at Donald Trump over the weekend over his handling of the US-Israel war on Iran.
But it was Ossoff's reference to Trump aide Natalie Harp that garnered the most headlines, renewing public scrutiny of her perceived closeness to the US president.
Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone joined The Last Word to discuss this and more of the latest news from the United States.
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Should Loud Phone Calls & Videos Be Banned In Public?
The pub chain JD Wetherspoon announced this week that it has banned customers from playing music or taking calls on speaker after complaints that the noise was driving people "nuts".
But should loud phone use in public be accepted as a normal part of modern life or should something be done to stop it?
Rachel O’Donnell, owner of the Hi-B pub in Cork, and TV producer Paddy Duffy join The Last Word to discuss.
Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
Palestinian Students Have Visa Applications Rejected
More than 30 Palestinian students have had their visas to study in Ireland rejected, despite full scholarships being granted by colleges across the country.
Dr. Sarah Sartori, Universities of Sanctuary representative at South East Technical University and Alannah Faulker, a trainee solicitor with Phoenix Law speak to Matt on The Last Word.
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Five Dead After Car Drives On Wrong Side Of Motorway
Five teenagers were killed and four other people were seriously injured after a BMW was driven down the wrong side of the M9 in Co Kildare. This is the second crash within a week, where a car was purposely driven in to oncoming traffic. There is also a fear that reckless driving is being videoed and posted online for likes. Gardaí are also calling for more training on active pursuit of vehicles.
To discuss the fatal crash and what to do about reckless driver behaviour, Matt is joined by Stephen Breen Crime Editor with the Irish Sun, T...
TV & Streaming: Rose Of Tralee 2026 Gets Underway
Joe O’Shea and Elaine Burke join The Last Word for Monday’s TV & Streaming slot.
Up for discussion this week is the return of The Rose of Tralee festival, a documentary looking at the lives and careers of the Healy Rae brothers, and the death of Nashville actress Hayden Panettiere.
Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.
The Week Trending: Age Gap Relationships, Dobby the Elf & Flight Radar
This week on The Week Trending Will O’Callaghan is joined by Emily Keegan and Cathal O’Sullvan to discuss the week’s stories
They chat about controversial age-gap relationships, people’s obsession with the flight radar and more
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Broken Engine Parts Blamed for Man Being Sucked Out of Ryanair Flight
A preliminary by the National Transportation Safety Board into the incident where a man was aprtially sucked out of the window of a Ryanair flight has blamed engine parts flying into the window
Will IO’Callaghan is joined by Editor of TravelExtra.ie Eoghan Corry to discuss
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Donal Ryan: Where Are The Kings
Donal Ryan joins The Last Word to discuss his writing process, character development, and how he tackles themes of grief presented in his latest novel, Where Are The Kings.
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Why Has Alison Chawke Been Released from Prison After Just 4 Weeks?
Alison Chawke and her brother were jailed last month for a serious assault in a Limerick hotel in November 2023.
Yesterday she was released after spending just four weeks behind bars.
Daniel McConnell is joined by lecturer at the School of Law in the University of Galway Dr Conor Hanly and Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson Matt Carthy TD to discuss.
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The FAI Withdraws Support for Gianni Infantino
After weeks of silence Ireland’s Football Association has publicly withdrawn its support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
Sports Journalist with the Irish Times Gavin Cooney joins Daniel McConnell to discuss this and more.
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Tech Thursday: Back To College Tech
With students returning to college in the coming weeks, Andy O’Donoghue looks at the best tech available to students on the market and what features to look out for when investing in a laptop or tablet.
He speaks to Daniel McConnell on The Last Word.
Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.
Culture Club: Peadar Tóibín
Peadar Tóibín, leader of Aontú, joins The Last Word for the Culture Club.
He chats about the music, movies, TV shows and other cultural influences that have shaped his life.
Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
Who is the Irish man at the Right Hand of Gianni Infantino?
Irish man Dan O’Toole is a close advisor to FIFA president Gianni Infantino and was supposedly at the heart of the plan to sell a stake in the World Cup.
Irish Times Sport Correspondent Gavin Cooney joins Daniel McConnell to explain who he is
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Government Expected To Make €1.67bn On Vat From Fuel
The Government is expected to rake in €1.67bn in Vat on fuel this year, amid rising energy prices caused by the war in Iran.
To discuss, The Last Word is joined by Charlie Weston, the Irish Intendent's Personal Finance Editor.
To hear the full chat, press 'PLAY' on this page!
Booksellers Suspect AI Companies Behind Bulk Purchases
Kenny’s bookshop in Galway have said they received an order for thousands of books, which has raised concerns about its potential use for AI.
While it’s not unusual for bookstores to receive large orders from places like libraries, this time the identity of the purchaser wasn’t revealed and a lot of the books were out of date.
Tomás Kenny of Kenny’s Bookshop and Elaine Burke, host of the For Tech’s Sake podcast, speak to Danny McConnell on The Last Word.
Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the dis
Calls To Delay Excise Duty Increases
Opposition parties have urged the Government to postpone plans to return fuel excise duty costs to their full price due to ongoing concerns over the cost-of-living crisis.
Vat charged on electricity, gas, petrol and diesel is expected to be €238m higher this year due to the worsening energy crisis.
Louise Burne, Political Correspondent at the Irish Examiner, and Kevin McPartlan, Chief Executive of Fuels For Ireland, join The Last Word to discuss.
To hear the full chat, press 'PLAY' on this page!
How Has The Hot Weather Impacted Irish Farming?
While many of us have enjoyed the warm and dry conditions experienced across the country throughout the summer months, Irish farmers say that working conditions have become increasingly difficult due to water shortages and increased costs.
Francie Gorman, President of the Irish Farmers Association, speaks to Will O’Callaghan on The Last Word to explain the challenges facing the agriculture industry over the last number of weeks.
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Last Word On Travel: Madeira
Sinead Kennedy, travel expert, host of Wellness Activity Breaks, has the lowdown on Madeira.
An archipelago of four islands off the northwest cost of Africa, Madeira is an autonomous region of Portugal. Famed for it's cooler climate and mountainous terrain, Madeira is becoming more popular with tourists.
Sinead has all you need to know from highlights, where to stay, what to eat and drink, when to go and how to get there.
To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.
Daniel Kinahan Spends First Night In Custody Following Dubai Extradition
Daniel Kinahan woke up on Monday morning in Portlaoise Prison after his high security extradition from Dubai.
The alleged crime boss landed in Dublin on Sunday evening on the Government jet.
Conor Lally, crime and security editor with the Irish Times, joins The Last Word to outline what happened upon Kinahan’s return to Ireland.
Later, criminologist Trina O’Connor, Dr Pat Leahy, former assistant garda commissioner, and Greg Gatjanis, former associate director of the US Office of Foreign Assets Control, discuss the significance of Kinahan’s arrest both at home and abroad.
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Is The Hurling Championship In Crisis?
Last month, Limerick were crowned All-Ireland senior hurling champions for the sixth time since 2018.
However, despite their remarkable achievement, fans were largely left disappointed with the season as a whole.
Is there a way to level the playing field and help the chasing pack become genuine All-Ireland contenders?
Jamesie O’Connor, Seamus Hickey and John McIntyre speak to Will O’Callaghan on The Last Word.
Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.
New Government Jet Requires Maintenance Abroad
The new government jet, Dassault Falcon X6, will need to travel abroad for maintenance this month, but Micheál Martin assures that the jet has been "very effective" and they have "no concerns".
Niall O'Connor of The Journal joins The Last Word to give us the full round up on why this jet has been making headlines this week.
To listen to the full chat, press 'PLAY' on this page!
The Last Word On The Environment: The Climate Act
The Government could consider further curbs on climate legislation if it is found to be harming infrastructure delivery.
John Gibbons, environmental journalist, joins The Last Word to warn of the impact this decision could have on Ireland's climate targets.
To listen to the full chat, press 'PLAY' on this page!
Tech Thursday: All You Need For The Return To The Classroom
Ahead of the new school year, Andy O'Donoghue is back with a comprehensive rundown of laptops and tablets, both new and refurbed.
For secondary school students, Andy also recommends some gadgets to help with concentration and productivity.
To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.
Culture Club: Jo Spain
Jo Spain, author of 'Never To Be Found', joins The Last Word to discuss her favourite albums, films, and writing habits.
To listen to the full chat, press 'PLAY' on this page!
Infantino Calls Emergency FIFA Meeting As Support For His Presidency Weakens
Gianni Infantino called an emergency meeting of senior FIFA staff on Wednesday as he fights for survival in the wake of his now abandoned plan to seek private investment in a company to run the World Cup.
Gavin Cooney, sports correspondent with the Irish Times, joins The Last Word to discuss whether this is the end of the road for the FIFA President.
Catch the full chat by pressing the ‘Play’ button on this page!
The Last Word On US: Trump Gives Iran 'Last Chance' On Peace Deal
Speaking at The White House on Monday, Trump told the Iranian leadership they had one "last chance" to sign a "good deal".
Marion McKeone, Cal Thomas, and Scott Lucas join The Last Word to discuss the current state of play.
To hear the full chat, press 'PLAY' on this page!
Should Parents Stop Their Children from Using Smartphones?
Amid the ongoing debate over whether social media should be banned for under 16s, parents have been criticised both for not monitoring their child’s social media but also for giving their young kids smartphones
Frank Greaney was joined by Irish Times features journalist and host of the Conversations with Parents podcast Jen Hogan and CEO of the Irish Internet Hotline Mick Moran to discuss
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