The Last Word with Matt Cooper

Drivers in Dublin were delayed by an average of 81 hours in 2024 due to congestion in the city, according to a survey conducted by data company Inrix.Brian Caulfield, Professor in Transportation at the Department of Civil Engineering at TCD, spoke to Matt on The Last Word about the findings.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.

Manchester United came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday. Was this the first sign of significant progress of Amorm’s tenure at United, and what does the result mean for Liverpool’s title hopes?Miguel Delaney, Chief Football Writer with The Independent and Off The Ball’s Will O’Callaghan joined Matt on Monday’s The Last Word to discuss the weekend’s Premier League results.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear their chat.

Corporation tax increased to €39bn last year, with the apple tax contributing to €11bn of that figure.The Department of Finance published the final exchequer returns on Monday, which saw an increase of €15.2bn on 2023.Ian Guider, Columnist with the Business Post, joined Matt for The Last Word on Business to discuss the findings.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

Nick Ferrari, presenter of Nick Ferrari at Breakfast on LBC, outlined the response from UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to Elon Musk's attacks on Safeguarding Minister Jess Philips. Nick also explained the war of words that has broken out between Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and Elon Musk.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

Russell Alford, food critic for The Sunday Times and one half of the GastroGays, joins The Last Word to discuss another of his favourite foodie travel destinations.This time he has chosen Lisbon in Portugal, a hugely popular destination for Irish tourists.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Former UK deputy prime minister Nick Clegg is to step down from his role at Meta.He is due to be replaced by former Republican White House deputy chief of staff Joel Kaplan, who served under George W Bush from 2006-2009.Ian Guider joined Will O’Callaghan for Friday’s business slot.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

Helen Vaughan, Psychotherapist with Maynooth Counselling & The Coast Counselling in Malahide, spoke to Will O'Callaghan about the importance of self care and she outlined 10 ways to be kinder to yourself in 2025.To listen to the conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

Helen Vaughan, Psychotherapist with Maynooth Counselling & The Coast Counselling in Malahide, outlines eight strategies to help to de-stress in 2025.To listen to the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

Have you noticed that your phone’s performance has worsened recently, or are you struggling to free up some space in its memory?Tech Journalist Andy O’Donoghue joined Will O’Callaghan on The Last Word to explain the most effective methods of clearing space on your devices.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear their chat.

Matt was joined by Will O'Callaghan from Off The Ball and Gavin Cooney from The42.ie as they looked back on all the highlights from the soccer year.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

John Caddell and Dee Reddy join The Last Word to look back on the last year in music and give their picks for the best music of 2024.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

The Last Word remembers some of the famous people who passed away in the last year.Journalist and broadcaster Tommie GormanJim Beard, keyboardist with Steely DanJohn Savident, who played Fred from Coronation streetTito Jackson from the Jackson 5Actor James Earl JonesMusician and producer Quincy JonesFormer Minister and TD Mary O’RourkeSinger Marlena ShawActor Dame Maggie SmithPaul Di’Anno from Iron MaidenJournalist and activist Nell McCaffertyWriter Edna O’BrienActor and musician Kris KristophersonActor Donald SutherlandActor Shelly DuvalPhilip Dadae Harvey from Soul II SoulActor Shannen DohertyActor and singer David SoulSinger Liam PayneJournalist Charlie BirdSinger Dickie RockComedian Jon KennyCommentator and national treasure Micheal O'MuircheartaighMusician Eoin French known as Talos

Tabitha Monahan, political reporter with the Independent, journalist Lise Hand, Dave Hanratty, host of the No Encore podcast, and Eoghan Tomás McDermott, MD of the Communications Clinic, all join The Last Word to look back on the biggest news stories of 2024.Stories include: • Donald Trump's return to the White House• General Election 2024• Nikita Hand’s civil rape case against Conor McGregor• Cillian Murphy's Best Actor win at the OscarsCatch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Roe McDermott and Brian Lloyd join The Last Word to chat about the best movies released in the last year.There's been huge blockbusters like Dune Part Two and hits from Irish stars like Cillian Murphy, Paul Mescal and Kneecap.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Ian Guider, columnist with the Business Post, joined Matt to discuss the biggest business stories that made the headlines throughout 2024.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear their chat.

Judith Boyle, beverages lecturer in TU Dublin, joins The Last Word to discuss her top choices for whiskeys, gins, vodka and even poitín. Perfect for a last minute gift or as something special to sip on Christmas Day.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

From STEM gifts for curious minds to headphones and beer dispensers, Andy O'Donoghue has a comprehensive list of last minute tech gifts to suit everyoneTo listen to the conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

Dave Fanning was the latest inductee into The Last Word’s Culture Club on Wednesday.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear his choices.

RIP.ie has announced it will be charging funeral directors €100 to post a death notice from January. Clare Ann Irwin of Irwin Funeral Directors in Galway City joins The Last Word to discuss the change to one of Ireland's most popular websites.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

The cost of the average Christmas dinner is on the rise, according to new figures from Kantar.Meanwhile, Chill Insurance is urging homeowners to keep their homes secure due to the fact that the Christmas period is a peak time for burglaries.Charlie Weston joined Will O’Callaghan for Wednesday’s Personal Finance slot.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.

Coimisiún na Meán is to join a European Commission election integrity investigation into video-sharing platform TikTok.Andy O'Donoghue, tech journalist, joins The Last Word to discuss what this could mean for the social media company which is also facing an outright ban in the US. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

ABC News has agreed to pay Donald Trump $15 million to settle a defamation action, sparking concerns that the incoming President could bring more cases against other media outlets. Cal Thomas, nationally syndicated US columnist, and Marion McKeone, US correspondent with the Business Post, join The Last Word to discuss this and more of the weeks news from the US.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Ian Guider was joined by Off The Ball’s Will O’Callaghan and Chief Football Writer with The Independent, Miguel Delaney to discuss the weekend’s Premier League results.Man City’s poor run of form continued as they suffered a late defeat at home to Man United, meanwhile Gary O’Neil and Russell Martin became the latest managers to be sacked after Wolves lost to Ipswich Town and Southampton were hammered 5-0 at home to Tottenham.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.

Stuck for a Christmas present? Sarah Slattery, from travelexpert.ie, joins The Last Word to give her top gift ideas for anyone who loves to travel.She has great value short breaks, hotel vouchers, travel accessories and more.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Joe O’Shea and Elaine Burke spoke to Ian Guider on Monday’s The Last Word, where they gave their picks for their favourite TV shows of 2024.Among their choices were Ripley, Rivals and Wolf Hall.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the full list.

Eoin Hayes suspended from the Social Democrats, Donald Trump is Time's Person of the Year and the real-life Succession plans.Breda Brown, communications director at Unique Media, and Lorcan Nyhan, head of training with 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!

The Climate Change Advisory Council has proposed reducing emissions in Ireland by 67% by 2040, stating that the country has failed to rise to the challenge of tackling climate change.Environment commentator John Gibbons spoke to Matt about this warning on Friday’s The Last Word.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

Michael Foley, Sportswriter with The Sunday Times and Chief Sportswriter with the Irish Daily Star, Kieran Cunningham, joined Matt to look back at the best sports books that were released in 2024.Among their choices were “The Racket” by Conor Niland, “Unladylike” by Hayley Kilgallon and Johnny Sexton’s “Obsessed”.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the rest of their picks.

Andy O'Donoghue joins The Last Word to talk through his top picks for sound tech, phones and tablets for gifts this Christmas.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Paschal Donohoe and journalist Lise Hand were back once again for The Last Word’s review of the best non-fiction books of the past 12 months.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear their choices.

Actor Simon Delaney is the latest inductee into the Culture Club.The author of new novel 'Watching Over You' joins The Last Word to discuss his favourite music, movies, TV and more.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Credit unions' mortgage and business lending capacity are set to treble in the coming years under proposals from the Central Bank.Ian Guider, columnist with the Business Post, joins The Last Word to discuss what this means for customers and more of the day's business news.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Authors Edel Coffey and Kevin Power joined Matt on Wednesday for The Last Word’s annual Fiction Books of the Year slot.Edel’s choices included Ferdia Lennon’s “Glorious Exploits” and “Intermezzo” by Sally Rooney, while Kevin picked “The Proof of My Innocence” by Jonathan Coe and Colin Barrett’s “Wild Houses”, among many others.To hear their full list of choices hit the ‘Play’ button on this page.

On Wednesday’s The Last Word, Vaughan Yates, founder of The Virgin Mary Bar, gave his choices of non-alcoholic drinks for you to enjoy throughout the Christmas period.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear what he picked.

Russell Alford and Patrick Hanlon, AKA the GastroGays and Restaurant Critics with the Sunday Times, had their choices of just some of their favourite cookbooks published in 2024.To listen to the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.Cook: Traditional Irish Cooking with Modern Twists by Graham HerterichSaladology by Theo Kirwan (Sprout & Co)Simply Jamie by Jamie OliverWhole Catch by Aishling MooreSeason by Mark MoriartyCooking with Anna Haugh: Modern Home Cooking With Irish Heart by Anna Haugh A Compendium of Irish Pints by Ali DunworthThe Home Sommelier by Brigid O'Hora

Judith Boyle, beverage lecturer at TU Dublin, had her seasonal choices of best beers and ales to pair with your Christmas diner or for parties during the holiday season.To listen to the full conversations, press the 'play' button below.

A 26-year-old has been charged with murdering Brian Thompson, UnitedHealthcare’s CEO.According to officials, Luigi Mangione was arrested in Pennsylvania after he was spotted eating at a McDonald’s.Nationally syndicated columnist Cal Thomas & Marion McKeone, US Correspondent with the Business Post, joined Matt for this week’s US slot to discuss this.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

The (UK) Independent's Chief Football Writer, Miguel Delaney, joins Matt to discuss all the action from the Premier League over the weekend.Chelsea announce themselves in the title race, Man City drop points again and Man United lose at home to soaring Forest.Hit 'Play' to get the latest.

Brigid O'Hora, author of The Home Sommelier and wine expert with Classic Drinks, introduced Matt to some new wines, white, red and sparkling, to try with the turkey and trimmings.Brigid's recommendations are; Cremant de Bordeaux Ballerin, NV. €40Avanzi Lugana Sirmione, Italy €15Bodegas Valdesil Godello, Valdeorras, Spain €24 Fleurie, Famille Chermette, Poncie, Beaujolais €18 Chateau Puynard, Cotes de Blaye ‘The Steps’ Merlot/ Cabernet Sauvignon €20 To listen to the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

Sarah Slattery from travelexpert.ie joins The Last Word to discuss the best Christmas markets and experiences in Ireland this festive season. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ was written in just 15 minutes in August.It went on to become one of the most iconic Christmas tunes of all time.Join Louise Cantillon for a Last Word on Music Christmas Special, with the story behind Mariah Carey’s iconic 'All I Want For Christmas Is You'.

The FAI apologises over use of 'Londonderry' in a match programme, Marian Price sues Disney over 'Say Nothing' scene and growing number of allegations against Masterchef's Greg Wallace.Roe McDermott, advice columnist with The Irish Times, and Kieran Cunningham, chief sports writer with the Irish Daily Star, join The Last Word to discuss the week's trending stories. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Children in mixed schools have more friends than those at single-sex schools and boys in all-boys schools have the lowest level of closeness to their friends according to new research.Irish Times Parenting Columnist Jen Hogan joins The Last Word to discuss why she thinks co-education is best for boys and girls.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

With the Green Party out and Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael on course to be back in government, John Gibbons joins The Last Word to discuss what the general election result could mean for Ireland's fight against climate change.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Andy O'Donoghue joins The Last Word to talk through his top picks for kitchen and beauty tech that could make wonderful gifts this Christmas. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Frank Greaney, Courts Correspondent, Today FM, had the details of Mr Justice Alexander Owen's judgement on legal costs after Nikita Hand won her civil case against Conor McGregor.

Chef Mark Moriarty joined Matt on the Culture Club to discuss his favourite music, books, film and TV.He also spoke about his new book Season: Master the Elements of Amazing Taste.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

It's that season where work Christmas parties are in full swing and they can often make or break office relations.Julie Galbraith, partner and head of employment law at Eversheds Sutherland, to discuss what employers and employees should keep in mind to prevent a HR hangover after the festivities.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

The 2024 general election saw voter turnout fall to record low levels, but many are sceptical about the reliability of the turnout figures due to flaws with the electoral register.Art O'Leary, chief executive of the Electoral Commission, joins The Last Word to explain why the register might be overstated and to answer more of your questions about last Friday's vote.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' on this page.

With government formation talks commencing this week Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor with The Irish Independent, had some recommendations that the new government could use in order to ease the cost of living.He also discussed how an IT issue led to some PTSB customers facing a delay in receiving their wages on Friday.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear his chat with Matt.