The Last Word with Matt Cooper
3,206 episodes — Page 26 of 65
Paul Howard On His Final Ross O’Carroll Kelly Book
Author Paul Howard has released the final installment of the Ross O’Carroll-Kelly series, ‘Don’t Look Back in Ongar’.He spoke to Matt about why he’s decided to end the series after 24 novels.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation
What Is The Controversy Surrounding 'It Ends With Us'?
'It End With Us', a new film starring Blake Lively based on the hit novel by Colleen Hoover, has been plunged into controversy following its release earlier this month.Roe McDermott, movies editor from Hot Press, joins The Last Word to explain the controversy surrounding the movie and discuss the week's other movie news.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
The Last Word On The US: Oprah Winfrey Makes Surprise Appearance On Night 3 Of Democratic National Convention
US vice presidential candidate Tim Walz delivered his acceptance speech on night three of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.Former House speaker Nancy Pelosi and Oprah Winfrey were also among the guests on Wednesday.Lorcan Nyhan, Head of Training at the Communications Clinic, joined Matt to assess their performances.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.
The Last Word On The Environment: Heat Related Deaths Likely To Increase Over Coming Decades
John Gibbons was back for this week’s environment slot and he spoke to Matt about how a study from the Lancet Public Health journal suggested that the number of deaths caused by extreme heat and cold could rise in the future.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.
Should Phones Be Banned In Secondary Schools?
Mobile phones could be banned in secondary schools under plans being considered by the Minister for Education Norma Foley.Rachel Harper, principal of St Patrick's National School in Greystones, and Jennifer Horgan, secondary school teacher and columnist for the Irish Examiner, join The Last Word to discuss the proposal.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page?
Culture Club: Peter Devlin
Ahead of the release of the latest album from The Devlins, Peter Devlin joined Matt to talk about his favourite music, movies, books, TV shows and more.To catch the full conversation, press the play button on this page.
Why Are Health Insurers Increasing Their Prices For The Second Time This Year?
VHI has announced it will increase the price of its health insurance plans for the second time this year. It follows a similar price increase announcement from Laya Healthcare.Dermot Goode, head of the Healthcare Division at Lockton Insurance Brokers, joins The Last Word to explain what's going on in the private health insurance market.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
Tribute To Journalist Nell McCafferty Who Has Died Aged 80
Ailbhe Smyth, feminist and LGBTQ+ activist, joins The Last Word to discuss the legacy of Nell McCafferty who has died aged 80.There are also excerpts from a 2018 interview with the journalist and feminist campaigner who spoke to The Last Word ahead of the abortion referendum.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
Government Planning Mobile Phone Ban For Secondary Schools
Minister for Education Norma Foley spoke to Matt about free school books, teacher shortages and her plans to ban smart phones in secondary schools.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.
Matt Meets Nell McCafferty
Journalist, author and activist Nell McCafferty has died aged 80, her family has announced.Born in Derry in 1944, McCafferty was a founding member of the Irish Women’s Liberation Movement and spent her life campaigning for women’s rights and against social injustices.She spoke to Matt in 2018 about why she was voting ‘Yes’ in the abortion referendum.Revisit the interview here by hitting the ‘Play’ button on this page.
Comedian Shane Daniel Byrne Heading For Dublin Fringe Festival
Comedian Shane Daniel Byrne spoke to Matt from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where he is debuting his show Trouble Denim, before it comes to the Peacock stage in September.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.
US - Biden Passes The Baton At The Democratic National Convention
US President Joe Biden has passed the baton to the Democratic nominee Kamala Harris in an emotional farewell speech at the party's national convention.Marion McKeone, US correspondent with the Business Post, and Larry Donnelly, law lecturer at University of Galway and political columnist with The Journal, join The Last Word to discuss the Democratic National Convention and more news stories from the United States.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
Charity Warns Of Toxic Workplace Practices That Impact Mental Health
Fiona O’Malley, CEO of Turn2Me, joined Matt to discuss the signs of working in a toxic environment and how it can impact an employee’s wellbeing.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.
Man City, Arsenal And Liverpool Start New Season With 2-0 Victories
Miguel Delaney and Mark Lawrenson join The Last Word to review the first weekend of the Premier League season.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
Ireland "Will Have Highest Fuel Tax After Budget"
Ahead of the 2024 Budget, Kevin McPartlan, CEO of Fuels for Ireland joins Matt to discuss how 8 cents per liter could be added to some fuel pricesFor the full conversation, hit the 'play' button below...
The Last Word on Travel: Visiting Brooklyn and Brand New Sites to See in New York
On this week's edition of our travel slot, Sarah Slattery from thetravelexpert.ie joins Matt to delve deeper into Brooklyn as well as to point some brand new attractions that might pique your fancy across the Big Apple
Premier League Preview: Who Can Stop Man City's Five In A Row
As the Premier League returns, Tony Cascarino, Mark Lawrenson and Miguel Delaney join The Last Word to look ahead at the coming season.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
The Week Trending
Young people could be offered €750 to stay in Ireland, the world's worst breakdancer breaks her silence and Liz Truss is upstaged by a lettuce (again).Sarah McGuinness, assistant news editor with the Business Post, and Lorcan Nyhan, head of training at the Communications Clinic, join The Last Word to discuss the week's biggest trending stories.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
How to Manage Inflammatory Bowel Disease
To further your education on inflammatory bowel disease and the differences between it and irritable bowel disease, Ciaran Davis and Victoria Spillane, board member with Crohn’s and Colitis Ireland and person with Crohn's Disease join The Last WordTo catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button below...
Tech Thurs: Parlez Vous? Best Apps For Learning Languages
Are you one of those people who has sworn you’ll learn a new language but just never have the time to get to a class, or do you want to help your kids with their Spanish or French lessons?Andy O’Donoghue had this rundown of the best language learning apps, online resources and smart translators on the market.To catch the full conversation, press the ‘play’ button below.
Activists Label Donald Trump & Elon Musk’s Interview “Dumbest Climate Conversation Of All Time”
On this week’s environment slot, John Gibbons talked to Mario Rosenstock about Electric Picnic’s aims to go green and why Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s interview was described as “the dumbest climate conversation of all time”.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.
Ireland's First E-Scooter Sharing Scheme Launched
Ireland’s first e-scooter sharing scheme has been launched in Wexford.The scheme is a collaboration between e-scooter sharing platform Bolt and Wexford County Council.Aisling Dunne, head of public policy with Bolt, joined The Last Word to explain how the scooter rental works.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.
Culture Club: Bill Whelan
Bill Whelan, the composer of Riverdance, joins The Last Word to discuss his favourite music, books, tv, movies and more.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
Social Media Food Trends
New food trends are constantly popping up on social media and while some are super useful, others can be a complete food fad.Russell Alford from the Gastrogays joins The Last Word to discuss the trends that are worth the hype and what should be ignored.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
Overcrowding Contributing To Problem of Drugs In Prisons: IPRT
At least 11 inmates from the Portlaoise Prison were hospitalised after a suspected drugs overdose yesterday. Conor Lally, Crime and Security Editor with the Irish Times and Saoirse Brady, Executive Director, Irish Penal Reform Trust discuss the issue of overcrowding and drug taking in prison.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button below.
Eir and Ryanair Are The Most Complained About Companies
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) said that Ryanair and Eir were the two most complained about companies when consumers contacted them in the first 6 months of 2024.Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor with the Irish Independent, joined Mario Rosenstock for The Last Word’s weekly personal finance slot to discuss this.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.
Elon Musk Fawns Over Donald Trump In Long Conversation
Cal Thomas, nationally syndicated US columnist, and Larry Donnelly, law lecturer at the University of Galway and political columnist with The Journal, join The Last Word to discuss Elon Musk's interview with Donald Trump and more of the week's biggest stories from the United States.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
How To Throw A Last Minute Barbeque
Sunday Times restaurant critic and one half of The Gastro Gays, Russell Alford, joined Mario Rosenstock to give the best tips and tricks for preparing the perfect barbeque.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.
Intel Offers Workers Up To €500,000 To Leave
Ian Guider, columnist with The Business Post spoke to Will O’Callaghan for Monday’s business news.Up for discussion was exit packages for Intel’s Ireland staff and the Hardware Association of Ireland’s plan to tackle Ireland’s housing crisis.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.
After Team Ireland’s Success In Paris, Should More Investment Be Made Into Sport Ahead Of LA 2028?
Kieran Cunningham, Chief Sportswriter with the Irish Daily Star and Gavin Cooney, Sportswriter with The42.ie, joined Will O’Callaghan to discuss the government’s pledge to provide an additional €400m of funding for sport following Team Ireland’s success at the Paris Olympic Games.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.
Russia Orders Evacuations As Ukrainian Troops Push Further Into Kursk
Dr Patrick Bury, Senior Lecturer in Security at University of Bath and former NATO analyst explained why this incursion by Ukraine has taken Russia and the rest of the world by surprise.To catch the full conversation, press the ‘play’ button below.
The Last Word On TV & Streaming: Emily In Paris Returns
Will O’Callaghan was joined by Joe O’Shea and Elaine Burke for this week’s TV & Streaming slot and they talked about the return of Emily In Paris, the Olympics closing ceremony and the new season of Strictly Come Dancing.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.
The Week Trending: Olympic Rowers Hitch a Lift to Cork, Starmer Vs Musk and Vienna Bomb Plot Foiled
Orla Ryan of the Journal.ie and Today FM's Cathal O'Sullivan joins Nathan Murphy to discuss the week's top trending topics from olympics to riots across the UK and Ireland.To catch the full conversation, hit the 'play' button below...
Stardust Relatives To Get Compensation Package Of €24m
Nicky Ryan and Christine Bohan, co-authors - with Sean Murray - of The Last Disco, discuss how the families of the 48 victims of the Stardust fire pursued justice for more than 40 years.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button below.
Garda Commissioner Turns Down Contract Extension
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has reportedly turned down a contract extension and will leave his position next year.Conor Lally, Crime and Security Editor at The Irish Times, joined Nathan Murphy to discuss.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.
What Can The Irish Justice System Learn From The Aftermath Of The UK Riots?
Dr. Conor Hanly, Law Lecturer at the University of Galway and criminologist Trina O’Connor joined Frank Greaney to discuss how quickly the UK legal system has brought people to justice following riots that took place in recent days.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.
What Would A Harris/Walz Victory Mean For The Environment?
Frank Greaney was joined by John Gibbons for this week’s environment slot.Up for discussion was how a Kamala Harris/Tim Walz victory may impact climate change, campaigners warning that cruise ships have doubled in size since 2000 and how 2024 is likely to be the hottest on record.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.
Tech Thursday: Back to School Technology
With August slipping away it's time to talk back to school tech.Tech journalist, Andy O’Donoghue joins Frank Greaney to discuss the best back to school technology finds as well as how to bag yourself a good deal on second hand laptopsTo catch the full conversation, hit the 'play' button below...
Donohoe Publishes Mid-Year Performance Review
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Pascal Donohoe, joins Frank Greaney following the publication of Ireland's mid-year expenditure performance review.To catch the full conversation, hit the 'play' button below...
Culture Club: Clodagh Lawlor
Clodagh Lawlor, one of Ireland's youngest award-winning Country Music stars joins Matt for this week's Culture Club.For the full conversation, hit the 'play' button below...
Coca Cola Sees Drop In Irish Sales In First Six Months Of 2024
Sarah McGuinness, Assistant News Editor with the Business Post joined Matt for Wednesday’s business news. They discussed how Coca- Cola HBC has has seen a drop in sales in the first half of 2024 due to the introduction of the deposit return scheme.Meanwhile, Eirgrid has warned of a mass exodus of data centres from Ireland if new connection agreements aren’t signed off on.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.
Donal Ryan Returns To North Tipperary For Latest Novel
Irish author Donal Ryan discusses his latest book, Heart, Be At Peace, where he returns to the terrain and characters of his debut novel, The Spinning Heart.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button below
Number Of Secondhand Homes For Sale Down 50% In Ten Years
Joanne Geary, Managing Director, MyHome.ie, discusses the latest analysis on the second hand housing market.Dara Keogh, CEO of GeoDirectory, outlines the number of new addresses that have been recorded up to June, where Dublin saw the highest proportion of new homes.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button below.
The Last Word on the US: Harris announces Minnesota Governor, Tim Walz, as VP pick
Following the news that Kamala Harris has selected her VP pick, Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone join Matt to discuss the latest updates in US politics.For the full conversation, hit the 'play' button below...
The Best Music To Appear In TV Shows
On this week’s music slot, Matt was joined by John Caddell and Dave Hanratty, host of the No Encore Podcast. They talked about iconic TV moments that were made even more memorable from their soundtracks.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.
Cyber Attack Threat Greater Over The Next Two Years
The National Cyber Security Centre has published a plan on how to deal with future cyber emergencies that may occur in Ireland.Richard Browne, Director with the NCSC joined Matt to discuss it.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.
After the Defeat of Daina Moorehouse, What Does the Future Hold for Boxing at the Olympics?
Following the controversial defeat of Ireland's Daina Moorehouse at the Paris Olympics, Gavan Casey, Sportswriter at The42.ie joins the Last Word to discuss the future of boxing at the olympics. To catch the full conversation hit the 'play' button below...
The Week Trending: US-Russia Spy Swap, Olympic Boxing Controversy and Sapian Getting Hollywood Treatment
After a busy week in the world of new, current affairs and pop culture, Kieran Cunningham, Chief Sports Writer, Irish Daily Star and Edel Coffey, writer and journalist join Matt to discuss the big headlines of the week.To catch the full conversation, hit the 'play' button below...
National Youth Council Of Ireland Calls For More Budget Funding To Combat Far Right Influencers
The National Youth Council of Ireland has released its pre-budget submission suggesting that more money should be invested in young people.Kathryn Walsh, NYCI Director of Policy joined Matt to discuss.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.
My Uncle, Donald Trump: Fred Trump on his new book, his uncle's campaign and his son William
Fred Trump, author of All In The Family: The Trumps And How We Got This Way and nephew of former President and Republican nominee Donald Trump, joins The Last Word to talk about his new book, the makings of the Trump family and the future of America with the possibility of his Uncle returning to the oval office.To get the full interview hit the 'play' button below...