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.
As Killarney Suffers Worst Ever Floods, Should We All Pay Extra To Help Homeowners Who Can't Get Flood Insurance?
Residents of Killarney, Co Kerry were caught by surprise on Thursday night when torrential downpours led to "chaos" in the town.
Mayor of Killarney John O’Donoghue joins The Last Word to discuss what happened and the extent of the clean-up operation.
John Ryan, chief underwriter at Allianz Insurance, also joins to discuss a proposal from Insurance Ireland to introduce a levy of €24 per insured household to help those who can't get flood cover.
Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
The Last Word On Movies: Remembering Tim Curry & Dolly Parton's Filmography
Brian Lloyd joins The Last Word for the weekly movie slot with three new releases to review: Ridley Scott’s post-apocalyptic thriller 'The Dog Stars', the explicit (and very funny) comedy 'I Want Your Sex', and the high-concept rom-com 'One Night Only'.
Brian also pays tribute to the actor Tim Curry, best known for his role in 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show', who died this week aged 80, and he discusses Dolly Parton's film career.
Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
Environment: Should We Stockpile Food To Prepare For National Emergencies?
UK citizens will be told to stock up on some food types in order to ensure they’re prepared for national emergencies.
Should that be something that’s implemented here in Ireland?
Commentator John Gibbons speaks to Matt on The Last Word.
Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.
Tech Thursday: AI Enhanced Wearable Fitness Trackers
AI is transforming health tracking from a collection of raw numbers into a personal coach. By analysing heart rate, sleep stages, and skin temperature, these tools translate biometric data into fitness plans.
Andy O'Donoghue runs through the best of the fitness wearables on the market, from watches to rings to compression shorts.
To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.
Culture Club: Liz McManus
Former Labour politician and writer Liz McManus is the latest Culture Club inductee, as she marks the release of her new book, Tiny Bruises.
The book uses historical events as a springboard for 12 stories that shine a light on the last century of Irish life. Liz talks to Matt about the inspiration for the book. She also chats about the music, books, movies and other cultural favourites that have shaped her life.
To catch the full conversation, press the ‘play’ button on this page.
The Last Word Remembers The Life And Work Of Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80 after a short battle with cancer.
The country music legend was known for hit songs such as Jolene and I Will Always Love You as well as her extensive philanthropic work.
Ed Smith and Keith Duggan join The Last Word to discuss Parton's musical talent and the incredible legacy she leaves behind.
Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
The Last Word On Music: Electric Picnic 2026 Preview
Electric Picnic 2026 takes place in Stradbally, Co. Laois this weekend with an estimated 80,000 people set to attend.
Gorillaz, Zara Larsson, Sombr and Lewis Capaldi will feature across the weekend alongside top Irish talent like CMAT, Fontaines DC and Amble.
Dave Hanratty and John Caddell speak to Matt on The Last Word.
Hit the 'Play' button on this page to hear their chat.
The Last Word On The US: Canada To Match US Tariffs As Trade War Escalates
Canada has announced its response to the tariffs imposed by US president Donald Trump as the trade war between the two countries deepens and both sides continue to throw insults across the border.
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 threat to sanction countries that trade with Iran.
Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
How Was A Doctor Able To Review HSE Patient Scans When His Medical Licence Was Revoked In Two Countries?
A report in the Irish Times this week highlighted the case of a radiologist who reviewed scans for HSE patients through an external company, despite having his licence revoked in two countries for misreading images.
Shauna Bowers, health correspondent with Irish Times, and Professor Matthew Sadlier, vice president of the Irish Medical Organisation, join The Last Word to discuss how this can happen and the regulatory challenges that can arise when doctors are working in multiple jurisdictions.
Press the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the full discussion!
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.
Hit the 'Play' button on this page to hear the piece.
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.
Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.
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.
Hit the 'Play' button on this page to hear the piece.
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
Hit Play on this page to listen now
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.
To listen to the full chat, press 'PLAY' on this page.
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.
To hear the full chat, press 'PLAY' on this page!
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.
Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.
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.
To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.
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.
Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this...
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.
Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the discussion.
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
Hit Play on this page to listen now
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
Hit Play on this page to listen now
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.
To hear the full chat, press 'PLAY' on this page!
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.
Hit Play on this page to listen now.
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.
Hit Play on this page to listen now
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
Hit Play on this page to listen now
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.
Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.
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.
