The Last Word with Matt Cooper

European and American golfers are getting ready to face off against each other once again when the Ryder Cup kicks off in New York on Friday.Meanwhile, organisers of the tournament are preparing for the arrival of US President Donald Trump on opening day, with fears his visit could cause disruption.Lawrence Donegan, founder and editor of McKellar Magazine, joins The Last Word to discuss what to expect from the 2025 Ryder Cup. Catch the the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

The current system for granting exemptions for studying Irish is souring relationships between principals and parents, according to the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD).A record number, 60,946, of secondary school students received an exemption from studying Irish in the last school year.Paul Crone, director of the NAPD, and John Sharpson, primary school teacher and TV presenter, join The Last Word to discuss.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Dee Reddy and John Caddell were back for the Last Word on Music where they had all the details of revival of Take That's Circus Tour. They also spoke about Madonna's return to Warner Records and her back catalogue.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

Over two million homeowners in Ireland are set to receive a letter from Revenue warning them to revalue their homes.The new valuation will apply for the local property tax from 2026.Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor with the Irish Independent, explained this on Wednesday’s The Last Word.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.

US President Donald Trump claimed to have "ended seven wars" and said that European countries are “going to hell” because of immigration in his address to the United Nations General AssemblyMarion McKeone and Cal Thomas join The Last Word to discuss Trump's remarks in New York and more of the latest news from the United States.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

A leprechaun sent to the White House.  A bomb shelter under Dublin’s Merrion Square.  A president swearing live on national radio. What do they all have in common? They’re just some of the wild, wonderful and downright bizarre stories you probably won’t have known about Ireland’s presidents. If the walls of the Áras could talk, we’d have a full-on Netflix drama on our hands.  But since it can’t, two presidential experts are here to spill everything, from the president who ran the country from their bed to the one who ticked off the Pope and Stalin in one go, to the one who handed out ponies and deer as royal gifts.  This is Think You Know... The Presidents? a Today FM original podcast from The Last Word. Each week, Lise Hand and Flor MacCarthy dig up the scandals and the game-changing moments from Ireland’s nine presidents, delving into how events in Ireland were shaped by their actions and how the people of Ireland felt about each sitting president at the time. Follow “Think You Know... The Presidents?” now wherever you get your podcasts. 

To quote the show FRIENDS, "he was the one with the moustache."Welcome to 'Think You Know... The Presidents?' a Today FM original podcast brought to you by The Last Word.Episode 1 travels back in time to 1938, when Ireland appointed its first president. But why was Douglas Hyde chosen? What happened when WWII broke out right after his inauguration? And why did we call WWII ‘The Emergency’ here in Ireland? Join Lise Hand and Flor MacCarthy as they explore the life and times of Douglas Hyde, bringing you incredible stories and jaw dropping facts at every turn.  Follow ‘Think You Know… The Presidents?’ wherever you get your podcasts. 

Journalist and author, Adam Maguire, joined Matt to discuss the release of his new book “The Bailout Babies”.In it he details how people who were children during the financial crash are still feeling the effects of it a decade and a half later.Matt spoke to Adam on Tuesday’s The Last Word.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.

Second Captains co-host, Irish Times columnist and author, Ciaran Murphy, has published his second book ‘Old Parish: Notes on Hurling”.He tells the story of how despite being an avid Galway GAA fan – one of the few dual counties in Ireland – he had only ever played Gaelic football.So, in the lead up to his 42nd birthday, he decided to move to Co. Waterford and play hurling with An Sean Phobal, the club that his father played for in the 1960s.Ciaran joined Matt on Monday’s The Last Word to tell him why he felt compelled to do it.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

Ned Guinness, the Fourth Earl Of Iveagh and the head of Guinness family, is the author of Guinness: A Family Succession.He spoke to Matt about his motivations for writing about his family and the legacy and impact of projects like the Iveagh Trust.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

The Caminito del Rey is a cliffside walk in Malaga, Spain with thrilling suspended walkways and spectacular views throughout.Sarah Slattery from thetravelexpert.ie joins The Last Word to chat all about it and to give her tips for anyone interested in making the trip.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

On Wednesday, it was reported that Cuala GAA had agreed a €2 million deal for a six-acre site owned by Bective Rangers rugby club.However, the availability of facilities across the capital is a constant struggle for many GAA clubs.Denis Walsh, Sportswriter with the Irish Times, reported this week that out of 412 pitches that are available for Gaelic games in Dublin, only 124 are owned by GAA clubs.He spoke to Matt about the issue on Friday’s The Last Word.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.

Independent TD Danny Healy-Rae has been criticised for suggesting a possible link between autism and vitamins; the Irish language rap-trio Kneecap have been barred from entering Canada; and US TV hosts have bitten back at US President Donald Trump after the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel.Brianna Parkins, 10 News plus reporter, and Dave Hanratty, host of the No Encore podcast, join The Last Word to discuss the week's trending stories. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Annmarie O'Connor spoke to Matt about her book Twitch. Diagnosed at the age of 48, the book details Annmarie's experience of living with Parkinson's Disease.Having worked as a fashion editor and stylist, Annmarie spoke about coming to terms with the disease and how she has learned to adapt to live a quieter life. To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

Two political figures, Charles Haughey and Garret FitzGerald, dominated Irish politics throughout the 1980sThe rivalry between the two party leaders, who each led all of the Irish governments in that decade, was bitter and their opposing personalities shaped Irish life during this era.Eoin O’Malley, associate professor in political science in DCU, joins The Last Word to discuss his book 'Charlie Vs Garret: The Rivalry That Shaped Modern Ireland'. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Meta has launched new smart glasses with a built-in display which CEO Mark Zuckerberg claims will unlock the AI promise of "superintelligence."Andy O'Donoghue joins The Last Word to discuss what these glasses do and whether we will all soon be wearing them.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Acclaimed author Hugo Hamilton was the latest guest to join The Last Word’s Culture Club.Along with choosing his favourite music, TV, film and podcasts, he discussed the release of his new book ‘Conversation with the Sea’.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear all his choices.

Charlotte Blease is Associate Professor at Uppsala University in Sweden and author of Dr Bot: Why Doctors Can Fail Us and How AI Could Save Lives’.She spoke to Matt about the potential of AI as a diagnostic tool and how it could revolutionise medicine.

It may only be September, but is it already time to start saving for the expensive Christmas season? Charlie Weston, personal finance editor with Irish Independent, joins The Last Word to discuss how you can start budgeting for Christmas so that it doesn't break the bank.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

The Government is under increasing pressure to include energy supports for households in the upcoming Budget to offset hikes in electricity and gas bills.Daniel McConnell, editor of the Business Post, and Tabitha Monahan, political reporter with the Irish Independent, join The Last Word to discuss what could be coming in Budget 2026 as the Government continues to insist that there will be no additional cost-of-living package. They also discuss the latest news from the presidential race as independent Gareth Sheridan gets closer to the ballot and Social Democrats TD Eoin Hayes' blackface controversy.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Marion McKeone and Cal Thomas join The Last Word to discuss the latest news from the United States including the death of the iconic actor and director Robert Redford and the continued fallout from the shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

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 The Last Word.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

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 listen now.

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 on this page!

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 week's trending stories. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

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 Ireland? Michael extensively delves into what the coming years may look like for the association.He joined Matt on Thursday's The Last Word.Hit the 'Play' button on this page to hear their chat.

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 rise in political circles and whether his death is likely to change US firearm legislation.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.

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 spoke to Matt on Wednesday.Hit the 'Play' button on this page to hear the chat.

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 full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

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.

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.

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 Matt on Monday’s The Last Word.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.

'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 doctors, patients and their families.Dr Suzanne Crowe joins The Last Word to discuss these stories and how her own tragedy has informed her work.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

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 'Play' button on this page!

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 claim that hotels are price gouging consumers.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

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 conversation press 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.

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!

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.

Norma Foley, Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, outlined the newly launched National Human Rights Strategy For Disabled People 2025-2030.The minister also addressed the case a young boy in Donabate, missing, presumed dead.Tulsa had previously engaged with the boy and his family.To catch the full conversation, press the play button on this page.

Research conducted by the Irish-owned network of financial advisers Ask Acorn has found that the average Irish woman’s pension pot is 40% lower than a man.While one in four men have no retirement savings, the figure rises to more than a third for women in Ireland.Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor with the Irish Independent, spoke to Matt on Wednesday’s show.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.

Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone join The Last Word to discuss the latest news from the United States, including swirling rumours about Donald Trump's health.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

It’s looking increasingly likely that there will be a contest within Fianna Fáil ahead of the presidential election as both MEP Billy Kelleher and former Dublin Gaelic football manager Jim Gavin gather support from inside the party.Mr. Kelleher joined Daniel McConnell on The Last Word to discuss why he thinks he’d be the best candidate for the job.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.