The Last Word with Matt Cooper

New research has shown gambling amongst inter-county GAA players is on the rise. What are the reasons for a spike in gambling amongst this particular group? Michael Foley, Sunday Times Sports Journalist and Professor Colin O’Gara, Head of Addiction Services at St. John Of God Hospital and Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at UCD joined the Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Our tech expert Andy O’Donoghue joined us today to chat about the best gadgets available to help you get the most out of the spring time! Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Last year, in a response to rising petrol and diesel prices, due to the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Government decided to reduce excise duty. It has now been announced that this will be gradually phased out. Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor at the Irish Independent joined Matt to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

HBO's 'The White Lotus' has captivated audiences around the globe, and it's iconic theme tune has taken on a life of it's own. It has been re-worked by a number of artists, with Tiesto even turning it into one of his signature dance anthems. John Caddell and Dee Reddy joined Matt to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

How is the world reacting to Joe Biden's visit to Kyiv in Ukraine? Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone joined the Last Word to discuss this, as well as the other big news stories from the US this week. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said there will be no more cost-of-living packages this side of October’s budget. So how far will the government's €1.3 billion package go towards dealing with the current crisis? Daniel McConnell, Political Editor at the Irish Examiner, Colette Bennett, Economic and Social Analyst at Social Justice Ireland, and Richard Bruton, Fine Gael TD for Dublin Bay North joined Matt to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

A young child can be sick with a self-limiting viral illness on average about 8-12 times a year. How can you spot childhood illnesses and when should you take action? Dr. Brian Higgins joined the Last Word to discuss.

After being overtaken at the top of the table by Man City last week, Arsenal were hoping to bounce back with a win against Aston Villa on Saturday and did so in very dramatic fashion. Meanwhile, Leeds United dropped into the relegation zone after defeat to Everton at Goodison Park and will face a crunch against Southampton next Saturday. Mark Lawrenson and Tony Cascarino joined Matt to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

The BAFTA Awards is one of the most prestigious film award nights in the industry, but is it worth tuning into from home? Joe O’Shea and Elaine Burke gave their take on Sunday night’s spectacle, and why series reboots aren’t always a good idea… Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

The St. Patrick’s Day bank holiday is just around the corner so if you’re hoping to plan a trip around Ireland to coincide with Mother’s Day, Sarah Slattery from TheTravelExpert.ie has some tips on where you’ll get the most for your money. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

New one-off cost-of-living measures are due to be announced by the government tomorrow. However, after Pinergy announced that it would be reducing prices, it’s unlikely we’ll see electricity credits. Daniel McConnell, Political Editor of the Irish Examiner and Daragh Cassidy from Bonkers.ie explained how this will impact people’s pockets. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Sean Dyche’s Everton welcome manager-less Leeds this weekend in what could be a crucial game in the battle to avoid relegation. Meanwhile, after a statement win against Arsenal at the Emirates on Wednesday, can Manchester City keep their momentum going and pull away from the chasing pack at the top of the table? Mark Lawrenson and Tony Cascarino joined us to look ahead to the weekend’s fixtures. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Michael Clifford, Special Correspondent with the Irish Examiner and Sinead O’Carroll, Editor of TheJournal.ie spoke to Matt for The Week Trending. Up for discussion were football pundit Micah Richards’ very expensive haircuts, and Eamon Ryan’s high carbon footprint for the Government’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

This week, Minister for Justice Simon Harris said that there is a direct link between casual drug use and violence, crime and murder. Matt spoke to Conor Lally, Crime and Security Editor at the Irish Times about Minister Harris’ comments and about the issue of recreational drug use in Ireland. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania is the third Ant-Man film with Paul Rudd returning as the mini Marvel hero. Brian Lloyd joined Matt on The Last Word to review Ant-Man as well as the other movies coming to cinemas this weekend. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

The Green Party will reportedly look to block a new €200 electricity credit for Irish households this summer. Crucial Government talks on cost-of-living measures are underway. Hugh O’Connell, political correspondent with the Irish Independent, and Independent TD Michael Healy Rae joined Matt to discuss why the Green Party would oppose another energy payment and whether or not households need it. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

International research has found that Dublin is the third slowest city in the world to drive in. It takes almost 30 minutes to drive 10 km in the city centre. Brian Caulfield, associate professor in the School of Engineering at Trinity College and Paddy Comyn from The AA joined Matt to discuss why this is happening. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

De-influencing is the latest social media trend gaining traction. But what is it and does it pay? Andy O’Donoghue joined Matt to discuss this as well as Elon Musk allegedly using the Twitter algorithm to boost his tweets during the Superbowl. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

It’s expected that fossil fuel boilers will be phased out entirely in new buildings by the end of 2024 with heat pumps being installed in 86% of new dwellings. But what are the alternatives to an oil or gas boiler and what about pre-existing homes? Green Party Senator Pauline O’Reilly and energy consultant Stephen McGovern joined Matt to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Rising interest rates have added almost €3,000 to the annual mortgage repayments for the typical first-time buyer. With more interest rate rises expected in the coming months this will likely increase further. Matt was joined by Charlie Weston, personal finance editor with the Irish Independent to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Nearly two-thirds of retail workers are earning less than €451 per week, according to new research from the Mandate trade union. Matt was joined by Gerry Light, general secretary of Mandate, and Neil McDonnell, chief executive of ISME to discuss this report, as well as calls for the introduction of a living wage. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Killer Kenneth Noye, who stabbed 21-year-old Stephen Cameron to death in 1996, has spoken about the murder for the first time since his release from prison in a new book. The journey towards arresting Noye for the murder was one with a lot of twists. Journalist Donal MacIntyre, co-author of A Million Ways To Stay On The Run: The Uncut Story Of The International Manhunt For Public Enemy No1 Kenny Noye joined Matt on The Last Word to discuss this story. For the full chat click the 'Play' button on this page.

Over half of women and around 20% of men will experience a form of osteoporosis in their life. The common health condition weakens people’s bones making them more fragile and more likely to break. Dr Brian Higgins joined Matt to explain more about osteoporosis and what people can do to try and prevent it. For the full chat click the 'Play' button on this page.

U2’s long-rumoured Las Vegas residency has been announced but the Irish band will be missing one member. Drummer Larry Mullen Jr won’t join U2 in Vegas because he has to undergo back surgery. To discuss this news and the other music stories making headlines this week Matt is joined by Dee Reddy and Dave Hanratty. For the full chat click the 'Play' button on this page.

Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone joined Matt to discuss the stories making headlines in the US this week. This includes a UFO taskforce to look at suspected spy balloons, Mike Pence plans to fight a subpoena from the counsel investigating Donald Trump and Nikki Haley enters the 2024 presidential race. For the full chat click the 'Play' button on this page.

Rory O’Neill has been commended for his performance on RTE’s Dancing with the Stars, in which he dedicated his latest routine to Professor Fiona Mulcahy, one of the first doctors who treated him when he was diagnosed as HIV Positive. Also up for discussion with Joe O’Shea and Sarah McGuinness was ‘The Last of Us’, which reached the half-way mark on Friday night, ‘Liam Brady: The Irishman Abroad’, and ‘Better’, which may fill the Happy Valley-shaped void in your life. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Ireland and France served up a Six Nations fixture for the ages on Saturday as Andy Farrell’s side came out on top of a 32-19 scoreline at the Aviva Stadium. Matt Williams and Fergus McFadden analysed the significance of the win in the context of this tournament, and for the 2023 World Cup. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Concerns have been voiced about CCTV cameras that are currently in operation within Leinster House. Green Party TD Patrick Costello has called for Hikvision cameras, which have been linked to security issues in Britain, the USA and Australia to be removed. Mr. Costello, along with Ronan Murphy, CEO of SmartTech247, joined Matt to explain how these cameras are operated and whether they pose a safety threat. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

The Warner Bros’ Studio Tour is one of London’s most popular tourist spots with fans of all ages wanting to get a glimpse of the Harry Potter world. Sarah Slattery from TheTravelExpert.ie explained how to get there, what to expect and what makes the trip so special. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Liverpool hope to reignite their season on Monday night when Everton visit Anfield. Tony Cascarino and Mark Lawrenson joined Matt to discuss the Merseyside derby and the weekend’s Premier League fixtures. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Brianna Parkins and Lorcan Nyhan joined Matt to discuss the other stories making headlines this week. They talked about the possibility of a gender-neutral God, a missing Virgin Mary statue and Madonna hitting back at ageism and misogyny. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

The weather phenomenon that was behind the Beast from the East in 2018 may return and bring heavy snow later this month. Alan O’Reilly joined Matt to discuss whether a spell of freezing weather could bring the country to a standstill once again. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

This year marks 25 years since the release of Titanic. To celebrate the event, the film has been re-released in cinemas around the country. Brian Lloyd from Entertainment.ie joined Matt for this week’s movie slot to discuss the film's return, as well as other releases hitting the big screen this weekend. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Teams in the Premier League wore green armbands last weekend to emphasise their support for environmental awareness. Did it have the desired effect on an international stage? Meanwhile, it was reported this week that plug-in hybrid cars emit more carbon dioxide than official measures suggest. It has caused further concern that vehicles which are sold as better for the environment may not be. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Yesterday, news broke that former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has returned to Fianna Fáil after leaving the party over a decade ago. Michael Clifford, Special Correspondent with the Irish Examiner and co-author of ‘Bertie Ahern and the Drumcondra Mafia’ joined Matt to look back on the controversy that surrounded his career following the findings of the Mahon Tribunal. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

This week on our personal finance spot Charlie Weston spoke to Matt about why motorists are facing a loyalty premium on insurance, the cost of fuel and savings interest rates. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

New research from the University of Vienna has found that dating apps can make people overly self conscious and less likely to go on dates in person. So are dating apps actually making it harder for people to find love? To discuss this Matt was joined by Roe McDermott, journalist and relationships columnist with the Irish Times. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has rejoined Fianna Fáil after more than 10 years. He left the party in 2012 following the findings of the Mahon Tribunal. To react to the news, as well as discuss the possibility that the Dáil could have 250 TDs by 2050, Matt was joined by Gary Murphy from the School of Law and Government in DCU, Political Editor with the Irish Examiner Daniel McConnell and Fianna Fáil Senator Lisa Chambers. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

The 2023 Grammys had many standout moments. Beyonce made history by becoming the most-awarded Grammy artist of all time, and Ben Affleck became a meme once again. To discuss the awards show and the week’s other music stories Matt was joined by Dee Reddy and John Caddell. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

President Joe Biden will outline an optimistic vision for the future of the US during his State of the Union address tonight. Matt was joined by Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone to talk about what can be expected from Biden’s annual address as well as the other US news stories of the week. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Dr. Harry Barry has spent years looking at the causes and treatments for many mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, panic and phobias. His new book focuses on the impact that Covid-19 lockdowns have had on social skills and how people can improve their emotional connection with others. Dr. Harry Barry joined Matt to discuss his book The Power of Connection. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Matt was joined by Jamesie O’Connor and Seamus Hickey to look ahead to the start of the 2023 National Hurling League. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Beyoncé has announced her Renaissance World Tour, but if Irish fans want to see her they are going to have to travel. Matt was joined by Dave Hanratty, host of the No Encore podcast, and Michael Murphy, music lecturer in IADT to discuss why some music superstars are opting out of Irish gigs Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Ben Finnegan and Laura Byrne joined Matt to discuss the week’s biggest news as well as the other stories making headlines, including anti-migrant protests, renaming Dublin’s streets and cancelling rugby songs. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Hannah Daly is the author of “Knowing No Boundaries”, where she tells the inspirational story of how, despite being profoundly dyslexic, dyspraxic and having a sensory processing disorder, she has written a memoir and become an occupational therapist. She spoke to The Last Word about the challenges she faces in day-to-day life and how she adapts to overcome them. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

It was reported on Thursday that Tánaiste Micheál Martin has signed off on a plan to replace the government jet, with the current aircraft coming to the “end of its lifecycle”. Political Editor of the Irish Examiner Daniel McConnell & Senator Tom Clonan joined Matt to discuss the matter and explain how the new aircraft will differ to the current one. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Katie Taylor has previously expressed her desire to have her homecoming fight against Amanda Serrano held at Croke Park. However, that dream may be over as Eddie Hearn has stated that due to the cost of renting the stadium, it won't be possible to hold the event at GAA’s Headquarters. Matt spoke to Gavan Casey of The42.ie on what this means for the fight and how it could impact fans hoping to attend it. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Oil and gas company Shell has reported record annual profits after energy prices soared last year. Profits hit $39.9bn in 2022, double last year's total and the highest in its 115-year history. Meanwhile, Golf clubs have complained of noise pollution from planes taking off from Dublin Airport’s new runway, which has apparently resulted in players considering giving up memberships. John Gibbons joined Matt in studio to talk about the environment stories making headlines this week. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

This week has been dominated by the ongoing story of how the State sought to deny, delay and discount the compensation people were owed for their nursing home care. But is this the first time something like this has happened? Mick Clifford, special correspondent with the Irish Examiner joined Matt to discuss the State’s history of ignoring its obligations to citizens who are often the most vulnerable. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Wholesale gas prices have dropped and are now below what they were before the war in Ukraine began. However, many people won’t see a drop in their energy bills for a while yet. Matt was joined by Charlie Weston, personal finance editor of the Irish Independent to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.