The Last Word with Matt Cooper

Writer Patricia Scanlan is the latest inductee into The Last Word Culture Club, where she talks about the music, books, TV and movies that have influenced her life and work.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

Energy supplier Energia has been given the go-ahead to build a data centre in Dublin to be operated by tech giant, Microsoft.Ian Guider, columnist with the Business Post, joins The Last Word to discuss this and more of the day's business news. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

The CSO has released a survey showing the long term impact the experience of living through the Covid-19 pandemic has made.Five years on, one in four people who were surveyed said they still try to avoid shaking hands, while a third of respondents between the ages of 22 and 29 said that their alcohol consumption increased since Covid restrictions were introduced. Tim Bergin, People Consulting Partner at EY Ireland and Helen Vaughan, psychotherapist at Maynooth Counselling spoke to Matt on Wednesday’s The Last Word.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.

There's outrage in the United States after a journalist was included in a group chat in which US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, Vice President JD Vance and other top officials discussed upcoming strikes against Yemen's Houthi group.Cal Thomas, nationally syndicated US columnist, and journalist Marion McKeone joins The Last Word to discuss this massive security leak and more of the latest news from the US. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

On Monday, gardaí conducted raids on members of a Dublin-based drugs gang known as The Family.The Irish Times reported that the gardaí’s National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau has been investigating the group for up to a decade.Conor Lally, Crime and Security Editor with The Irish Times, joined Ian Guider on The Last Word to explain the story.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

Elaine Burke and Joe O’Shea discuss the four-part Netflix drama, Adolescence, written by and starring Stephen Graham, that is being watched all over the world. Dealing with toxic influences in teenaged lives, Joe and Elaine talk about why they think it’s an era defining drama.

Ireland beat Bulgaria 2-1 (4-2 on aggregate) in the Aviva Stadium on Sunday night which retains their status in League B in the Nations League.Gavin Cooney, Sportswriter with The42.ie and Off The Ball’s Will O’Callaghan spoke to Matt about a positive few days for Heimir Hallgrimsson, Evan Ferguson getting on the scoresheet again and how these results can benefit Ireland’s World Cup qualifying prospects.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

Has medicine gone too far in diagnosing disorders like autism, ADHD or even long Covid? Can these diagnoses sometimes hinder a person more than they help?Neurologist Dr Suzanne O'Sullivan joins The Last Word to discuss the dangers of over medicalisation as explored in her new book 'The Age of Diagnosis'.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Following his St Patrick's Day White House visit, Conor McGregor has said he will run for president of Ireland this year; Tesla cars are being boycott in protest against Elon Musk; and what countries are the happiest?Laura Byrne, voices editor and podcast producer with TheJournal.ie, and Eoghan Tomás McDermott, managing director of The Communication Clinic, join The Last Word to discuss the week's trending stories.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

A teacher has claimed that she was wrongly identified as the so-called “GAA Catfish”, and has secured a short term injunction restraining her employer from continuing a disciplinary process against her.The story was originally told on The 2 Johnnies podcast and detailed how a woman was using fake online profiles to dupe men into romantic relationships.Carl O’Brien, Education Editor with The Irish Times, explained the story on The Last Word.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

In his latest book, high performance coach Gerry Hussey examines the power of the inner voice and how to silence the criticisms that are holding you back from your dreams.Gerry joins The Last Word to discuss his new book 'I Am, I Can, I Will'.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

A jury in North Dakota has ordered Greenpeace to pay $660m to the company Energy Transfer after finding it liable for defamation over protests that took place in 2016 & 2017.After the verdict, Greenpeace said that lawsuits such as this are “destroying the right to peaceful protest”.John Gibbons joined Matt for Thursday’s environment slot on The Last Word.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear their discussion.

Andy O'Donoghue runs through a comprehensive list of alternatives to Amazon streaming, smart home, shopping and audiobook offerings.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

The Government will miss its own housing targets over the next three years, according to new analysis from the Central Bank. Ian Guider, columnist with the Business Post, joins The Last Word to discuss why housing delivery is likely to fall short in the coming years and more of the day's business news.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Snow Patrol frontman Gary Lightbody has released his first book “The Forest is the Path”, sharing its name with the band’s latest studio album.To celebrate its release, Gary joined Matt for the latest edition of The Last Word’s Culture Club.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear all his choices.

Leaving Cert English students could face oral exams worth 20 per cent at the end of fifth year, with the written exam reducing from two papers to one by 2027.There are further plans to introduce a creative writing task, where students will be tasked with writing an original piece during class time.Jennifer Horgan, English teacher and Irish Examiner Columnist and Brian Mooney, Irish Times Education Columnist and guidance counsellor, spoke to Matt about this proposal.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

US President Donald Trump has had a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss a ceasefire in Ukraine.Cal Thomas, nationally syndicated US columnist, and journalist Marion McKeone join 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 page!

There was much surprise on St Patrick's Day when MMA fighter Conor McGregor met with US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office just days after Taoiseach Micheál Martin's visit.Dion Fanning, co-host of the Free State podcast, and Gary Murphy, professor of politics at DCU's School of Law and Government, join The Last Word to discuss why McGregor was invited to the White House and whether it could mark the beginning of his campaign to be the next president of Ireland. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Amazon.ie was officially launched in Ireland on Tuesday, where Irish users are no longer obliged to use Amazon.co.uk.The subscription price is €6.99, which is lower than Amazon.co.uk’s £8.99 (€11), but can users get the same experience for cheaper?Furthermore, what will this move mean for smaller businesses around the country?Adrian Weckler, Tech Correspondent with the Irish Independent and Jean McCabe, CEO of Retail Excellence Ireland, spoke to Matt on The Last Word.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

Author and journalist Donald McRae has written his latest book “The Last Bell: Life, Death and Boxing”.He’s followed the careers of some of the biggest names in the sport, including Oleksandr Usyk, Tyson Fury and Katie Taylor.But after 50 years of covering boxing so intently, why did he find himself falling out of love with it?Donald joined Will O’Callaghan on Friday’s The Last Word.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

Manchester United unveils plan to build a new stadium beside Old Trafford, gardaí prepare for St Patrick's Day in Dublin and was the Taoiseach's trip to the White House a success?Joe O’Shea, editor of Cork Beo, and Sinead O’Carroll, editor of TheJournal.ie, join The Last Word to discuss the week's trending stories.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

A new report has shown that climate whiplash is making an impact in cities such as Madrid and Riyadh, which sees the weather swing between extreme wet and dry spells as a result of rising global temperatures.Environmental commentator John Gibbons joined Will O’Callaghan to discuss the findings.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

Are you thinking of shopping online but want to find alternatives to Amazon?On this week’s Tech Thursday, Andy O’Donoghue spoke to Will O’Callaghan to give his recommendations on the options available to you.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.

Irish folk singer Maria Kelly was the latest guest to be inducted into The Last Word’s Culture Club.She talked to Ian Guider about the music, literature, film and TV that influenced her from when she was young to the present day.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear her choices.

Many Irish retailers have given up challenging shoplifters stealing from their stores due to the number of defamation actions being taken, according to a group representing small and medium enterprise.Neil McDonnell, chief executive of Isme, estimates defamation cases are costing small businesses in Ireland up to €70 million each year. He joins The Last Word to discuss.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button!

Tariffs, Gaza and the 'massive' trade deficit between Ireland and the US were among the issues raised during Taoiseach Micheál Martin's meeting with US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office.Daniel McConnell, editor of the Business Post, and Sarah Carey, Irish Independent columnist, join The Last Word to discuss how the Taoiseach's White House visit went and what could come from it.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

The US stock market has plunged again after US President Donald Trump announced he will double the already planned tariffs on Canadian metal imports.Ian Guider, columnist with the Business Post, joins The Last Word to discuss the market's reaction to Trumps latest moves and more of the day's business news. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

US President Donald Trump's plan to double tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum to 50% is the latest in a series of trade policy moves that are driving concerns about a recession in the United States.Cal Thomas, nationally syndicated US columnist, and journalist Marion McKeone join The Last Word to discuss the latest news from the United States.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

On Tuesday, Manchester United announced plans to build a new 100,000-capacity stadium, which is estimated to cost approximately two billion pounds.But given the financial difficulties that United have faced in recent years, is the idea feasible?Miguel Delaney, Chief Football Writer with The Independent, spoke to Matt on The Last Word.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.

Ireland’s grand slam hopes in this year’s Six Nations came crashing down on Saturday after a scintillating 2nd half display by France at the Aviva Stadium.Is this Irish team about to enter a rebuilding phase, what positions are we lacking in depth, and should Jack Crowley start at outhalf for the final round game against Italy?Former Ireland international, Paul Wallace, and Off The Ball’s Will O’Callaghan spoke to Matt about the weekend’s results.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.

Sarah Slattery from thetravelexpert.ie joins The Last Word to discuss her recent trip to the Gastein valley in Austria. While Gastein has great skiing, there are lots of activities for non skiers from relaxing thermal spas to thrill-seeking ice climbing.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

The rapid growth of Artificial Intelligence has the potential to 'supercharge' financial fraud by creating more and more convincing scams, the Banking and Payments Federation Ireland has warned.Niamh Davenport, head of financial crime with the BPFI, and tech journalist Andy O’Donoghue join The Last Word to discuss the increasing frequency and sophistication of financial scams.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Meghan Markle's lifestyle programme takes the world by storm, and not in the way she might have hoped, Fair City's Carrigstown gets a Lidl, and should the FIFA World Cup have a half-time show?Aoife Barry, journalist and author of Social Capital, and Lorcan Nyhan, head of training at the Communications Clinic, join The Last Word to discuss the week’s trending stories.Catch the full chat by pressing the ‘Play’ button on this page!

As part of The Big Busk for Focus Ireland, Matt is joined in studio by a special musical guest, rising star of Irish pop Moncrieff!He chats to Matt about his upcoming debut album, performs his latest single and is enlisted to help with the return of Karaoke Cooper.Catch the chat and both performances by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Andy O'Donoghue had the latest in smart kitchen tech including a smart air fryer, smart washing machines and smart blinds. To catch the full conversation, press play on this page.

Fionnuala Moynihan, International concert pianist, was the latest entry into The Last Word’s Culture Club.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear all her music, TV, film and literature favourites.

Tax revenue for the first two months of this year rose to €15.2 billion, boosted by a €1.7 billion payment from Apple as part of its tax settlement.Ian Guider, columnist with the Business Post, joins The Last Word to discuss Ireland's latest exchequer returns and more of the day's business news.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Dr Mark Rowe, GP, and expert in burn out prevention, talks about his latest book. He outlines some of the things we can do today, from walking in nature, taking cold showers and making memories, that will improve our lives tomorrow.To listen to the full conversation, press the play button on this page.

US President Donald Trump made a number of exaggerated and inaccurate claims during his first address to a joint session of Congress since he returned to power.In a bonus installment of The Last Word on the US, Cal Thomas, nationally syndicated US columnist, and journalist Marion McKeone join The Last Word to discuss what Trump said during his lengthy speech as he outlined his vision for his second term as president.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

When Sarah Corbett Lynch was just eight-years-old when her father Jason was killed by his wife Molly Martens and her father Tom Martens leaving Sarah and her brother Jack orphaned.Sarah joins The Last Word to discuss her book 'A Time For Truth: My Father Jason And My Search For Justice And Healing'.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

US President Donald Trump has paused all shipments of military aid to Ukraine following his heated meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.Cal Thomas, nationally syndicated US columnist, and journalist Marion McKeone join The Last Word to discuss the latest actions from the increasingly volatile Trump administration.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

After 5 rounds of the Allianz National Football League, Donegal sit in second place in the table, level on points with leaders Galway.However, after Donegal’s comeback win against Derry on Sunday, manager Jim McGuinness said that many teams in Division One don’t want to reach the league final because the provincial championships start just one week later.Former All-Ireland winner with Galway, Ray Silke, and Off The Ball’s Will O’Callaghan spoke to Matt about McGuinness’ comments on Monday’s The Last Word.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that a deal to end the war between Russia & Ukraine is “very, very far away”, following a tense meeting with US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance on Friday evening. Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has told European leaders that Europe is now at a “crossroads in history”, as eighteen heads of states met to discuss how best to defend Ukraine.Lara Marlowe, journalist based in Paris and Nick Ferrari, Presenter of Nick Ferrari at Breakfast on LBC Radio spoke to Matt about the European view of the issue.Matt was later joined by Thomas Byrne TD, Minister for State at the Department of Defence, Dr. Edward Burke, Lecturer in the History of War at UCD and regular US contributors Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone to discuss the story further.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversations.

As part of The Big Busk for Focus Ireland, Today FM is looking for Ireland's best up and coming busker!Joe Sweeney is one of the musicians competing to be crowned Ireland's Next Big Busker. He joins The Last Word to talk about his busking journey. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

98FM's Cathal O'Sullivan and Irish Times advice columnist, and Hot Press movies editor, Roe McDermott sit down with Matt to go through all the biggest stories of week.From Donald Trump’s bizarre AI Gaza video to the Tates' stateside visit and why Sophie and Jack have become such popular names. Get all the week's action by hitting 'Listen' here.

Daniel McConnell, Editor of the Business Post, discussed the Taoiseach’s upcoming trip to Washington DC.He also reacted to the repatriation flight that deported 32 people back to Georgia from Ireland.To listen to the full conversation, press the ‘play’ button on this page.

Journalist and author Martin Dillon joins The Last Word to discuss the role played by women in the Troubles and the toll it took on them, as described in his new book 'The Sorrow and the Loss'.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Roe McDermott, Movies Editor with Hotpress, joined Matt for this week’s movies slot on The Last Word.She predicted who she thinks will win big at Sunday night’s Academy Awards and discussed the release of “The Last Showgirl” starring Pamela Anderson.Matt and Roe also remembered the Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, whose death was announced on Thursday morning alongside his wife Betsy Arakawa.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

Following the introduction of several conservation measures, the number of brown bears has risen by 17% across Europe since 2016. Experts have seen a 12% rise in the Eurasian lynx and a 16% jump in the number of wolverines over the same time period.Environment commentator John Gibbons joined Matt on Thursday to discuss this.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.

At GAA Congress in Donegal last weekend, president Jarlath Burns described rural depopulation as “a full-blown crisis” for the association.Speaking at the event, Mr. Burns said “it is unconscionable that we would be the generation who preside over the permanent demise of rural Ireland.”So, what can the GAA do to ensure rural clubs in Ireland survive?Michael Foley, sportswriter with The Sunday Times, spoke to Matt about the issue.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.