The Last Word with Matt Cooper

Ecologist Anja Murray has charted Ireland's constantly changing natural world in her new book 'Frog Routes, Polka Dot Newts and Other Treasures of Irish Nature'.She joins The Last Word to discuss the birds, animals and plants that people should look out for in October.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Professor in Transportation at Trinity College Dublin Brian Caulfield and economist Colm McCarthy join Will O'Callaghan to discuss what happens now the Metrolink now it has been granted planning permission.They also discuss whether the Metrolink is the most effective project Hit Play on this page to listen now

John Gibbons joins Will O'Callaghan to discuss the weeks biggest environmental stories .This week they discuss the death of legendary conservationist Jane Goodall, the impact rising sea levels will have on coastal housing and more.Hit Play on this page to listen now

Ireland has one of the incidences of high blood pressure while also having some of the lowest rates of diagnosis Will O'Callaghan is joined by Consultant Cardiologist at the Mater Private Network Dr Paul Hill to discuss choices you can make to improve your blood pressureHit Play on this page to listen now

Why would Éamon de Valera - rebel, revolutionary and Ireland's third president - be cancelled if he was around today? In the third episode of Think You Know...The Presidents, Lise Hand and Flor MacCarthy get to grips with some of the more questionable actions of the man referred to as the 'long fellow', and why did he seem to love dressing up so much? This and more - including our very own, 'Space Dev' and his fear of the old gogglebox.

Novelist Sophie White joins The Last Word for the Culture Club. Sophie's latest book 'Such A Good Couple' is out now and she chats all about it, as well as her favourite music, movies, TV and more. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Business editor of the Sunday Times Brian Carey chats to Matt about the biggest business stories of the day.Today they discuss the news that Conor McGregor's stout firm is being sued by suppliers over alleged unpaid debts, David Beckham's latest business figures and why Aer Lingus is not enthusiastic about the proposed lifting of the Dublin Airport passenger cap.Hit Play on this page to listen now

Matt sits down with Dr Harry Barry to discuss his most personal book yet; Beneath the SurfaceThey discuss Dr Barry's own struggles, his time spent in Tanzania and more.Hit Play on this page to listen now.

Matt is joined by Sinn Fein TD and Cathaoirleach of the Public Accounts Committee John Brady and Business Post Editor Danny McConnell to discuss the latest Comptroller and Auditor General report.Their report for 2024 shows that public money has been wasted across a range of areas including unused hotel rooms for Guards staffing events and vacant office buildings leased by the Office for Public Works.Hit Play on this page to listen now

The latest Safefood food basket research has found that low-income families are spending up to 33% of their weekly income to afford a healthy diet.Costs for a household with a teenager in it are more than 20% higher than those with children of primary school age.Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor with the Irish Independent, spoke to Matt on Wednesday.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.

Multiple All-Ireland winner with Kerry and one of The Last Word’s GAA analysts, Marc Ó’Sé, has released his autobiography ‘Ó’Sé: A Kerry Family, A Football Dynasty.He spoke to Matt about being part of one of the most famous families in the GAA which saw him play alongside his brothers Darragh and Tomás, and under the management of his uncle, Páidí.He also discussed how Gaelic football evolved from the early days of his career to the latter stages, and what his relationship was like with former managers Jack O’Connor and Eamonn Fitzmaurice.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.

Matt is joined by Writer and Director Jim Sheridan to discuss his new film: ‘Recreation: The Trial of Ian Bailey’, which examines the murder trial that never happened.Hit Play on this page to listen now

Matt is joined by Marion McKeone and Cal Thomas to discuss the latest news from the US.This week they discuss Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu's agreement on a peace plan for Gaza, Trump's latest plans to deploy the National Guard and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth's new proposed rules for army personnel. Hit Play on this page to listen now

Baker and entrepreneur Una Leonard is well-known for her delicious cakes and treats, but she has also just released her second cook book 'Good Together'.She joins Matt to discuss how her mother's cancer battle inspired her new book and why she decided to relocate her bakery, 2210 Patisserie, to Mullingar.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Seán T. O’Kelly brought political  savvy and international flair as head of a newly-fledged nation trying to figure out its place  in the world. It was during O’Kelly’s terms in office that the Áras became the party-spot for high-flying night-owls. xBut behind the scenes, his two terms were not without their  controversies. How did this diplomat manage to massively annoy both the Pope and  Joseph Stalin in one fell swoop? And did this presidency mark the start of Ireland’s great grá for US presidents? In this second episode of Think You Know...The Presidents, our dynamic duo Flor Mac Carthy and Lise Hand present a twist on the life and times of Seán T.O'Kelly with the help of historian Liz Gillis.

Matt is joined by legendary Irish athlete Sonia O'Sullivan to discuss her extensive career in Athletics and punditry and the importance of looking after your health in sport.Hit Play on this page to listen now.

Former Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill has released his new book 'The Changing Game: The Past, Present and Future of Football".He joined Matt on Monday to talk about how football has evolved over time, how elite-level management in 2025 differs to that of previous years and how, if circumstances were different, he could have managed Leeds United.Hit the 'Play' button on this page to hear the piece.

Joe O'Shea and Elaine Burke join Matt to discuss the biggest TV and Streaming moments of the week.This week they discuss Netflix's House of Guinness, Big Brother being absent from Irish TV screens, the latest Strictly Come Dancing news and more.Hit Play on this page to listen now

Europe have won their first away Ryder Cup since 2012 in Bethpage New York, with Ireland's Shane Lowry making the crucial putt to retain the trophy. However the weekend saw the European players face heckling and personal abuse from the American crowd, including Rory McIlroy's wife having a drink thrown at her.Matt is joined by Gavin Cooney from the42.ie and Political Columnist and Law Lecturer Larry Donnelly to discuss gold's big weekend Hit Play on this page to listen now.

As conservative campaigner Maria Steen marked the end of her presidential bid on Wednesday, many were quick to spot the €20,000 designer bag on her arm. Elsewhere, British Prime Minister Kier Starmer has revealed plans for a controversial UK digital identity card and US President Donald Trump has claimed he was 'sabotaged' while at the United Nations General Assembly.Orla Ryan, Irish Times journalist, and Paddy Duffy, TV producer, join The Last Word to discuss the week's trending stories. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Uefa's executive committee is expected to meet next week to decide whether to suspend Israel from its competitions over its almost two-year assault on Gaza.Miguel Delaney, chief football writer with the Independent, joins The Last Word to discuss the impact that a such a ban would have on world football and next year's World Cup.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

From thermostats to lightbulbs and air purifiers, Andy O'Donoghue had a run down of the best devices to make your home efficient and cozy heading into the winter months.To catch the conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

Research conducted by Maynooth University has found that the warm nighttime temperatures which were experienced this summer are now 40 times more likely due to climate change caused by human activity.John Gibbons spoke to Ian Guider on Thursday’s The Last Word.Hit the 'Play' button on this page to hear the piece.

A number of Dublin city councillors boycotted a ceremony to award the Freedom of the City to Barack Obama over objections to the former US president's record in foreign and domestic policy.Obama, who is visiting Dublin this week, was originally granted the honour by councillors in 2017 but he didn't come to receive the award until now.Conor Reddy, People Before Profit-Solidarity group leader on Dublin City Council, and Larry Donnelly, law lecturer at the University of Galway and columnist with TheJournal.ie, join The Last Word to discuss whether it was appropriate for Obama to be given the Freedom of Dublin. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Novelist Eimear McBride was the latest Culture Club inductee.Eimear spoke to Matt about her new novel, The City Changes Its Face. She also discussed her favourite music, films, books and the cultural touchstones that have influenced her life and work.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

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.