The Last Word with Matt Cooper

Amid concerns that numbers awaiting hospital beds could reach 1,000 this week, HSE CEO Steven Mulvaney has asked senior medical staff to work this weekend. This follows comments from Health Minister Stephen Donnelly yesterday. Tony Fitzpatrick, Director of Industrial Relations at the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation and Professor Matthew Sadlier, head of the IMO’s Consultant Committee discussed the issue and outline the concerns of hospital workers. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

This week, Minister for Justice and Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris joined Matt on The Last Word for the Culture Club. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Sleep is extremely important for our physical and mental health but many people struggle to get enough. Helen Vaughan, psychotherapist and owner of Maynooth Counselling, joined Matt on The Last Word to talk about improving the quality of your sleep. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

RTÉ’s popular TV show Operation Transformation will return tonight. Some people have criticised the reality programme over the years for its focus on weight loss while others have hailed it as a life saver. To discuss the good and the bad of Operation Transformation, Matt was joined by Elaine Burke, host of the 'For Tech’s Sake' podcast, and Sheila Naughten, head of news at Tipp FM. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Charlie Weston joined Matt for a personal finance special to discuss how you can save money in 2023. Andy O’Donoghue, The Last Word’s tech expert, also outlined a list of apps that could be helpful if you are looking to save some cash. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Louise Cantillon, new presenter of lunchtimes here on TodayFM joined us this week for The Culture Club!Press the 'Play' button on this page to hear her choices!

Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor for The Irish Independent joined The Last Word to help get your finances in order for 2024!Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Mark Lawrenson and Tony Cascarino joined Matt to discuss whether Arsenal are genuine Premiere League title contenders. We also heard a snippet of a 2009 Last Word interview with Pele, as the Brazilian hero was laid to rest today. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

It may be a new year, but many of the same, age-old challenges face Leo Varadkar's Government. How will it fare in the year ahead? Gary Murphy from the School of Law and Government at DCU, and Daniel McConnell, Political Editor of the Irish Examiner joined us to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Incoming New York Representative George Santos is being sworn into Congress today as he faces mounting legal scrutiny. Local, state, federal and now international authorities are investigating the Republican for fabricating much of his persona and raising speculation about potential financial crimes. Marion McKeone and Larry Donnelly joined Matt to discuss this story and more. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

As the post-Christmas slump kicks in and the pressure to set and stick to regimented resolutions mount, we asked Helen Vaughan, psychotherapist with Maynooth Counseling, how to beat the January blues. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

With the World Cup over and the Premier League in full swing, Mark Lawrenson and Tony Cascarino join The Last Word for our final look into the world of soccer for 2022. For the full chat click the 'play' button on this page

Lise Hand, Dave Hanratty, Brianna Parkins and Eoghan Tomas McDermot join Matt to look back on some of the biggest stories to make headlines in 2022. From the war in Ukraine, to British politics going bonkers, Wagatha Christie and the slap that echoed across the world at the Oscars, we review the good, the bad and the utterly absurd. Listen back to the full conversation by pressing the 'Play' button.

On the day Irish language box-office sensation An Cailín Ciúin was shortlisted for an Oscar in the Best International Film category, we spoke to the film's director Colm Bairéad. To follow, Brian Lloyd and Roe McDermott joined Matt in studio to discuss the best films on TV over Christmas. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button.

For many of us, the New Year offers a fresh start and time to forge new habits. John Gibbons spoke to Matt on The Last Word about five changes we can all make in 2023 to help the environment. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button.

Worried about heartburn and indigestion as the festive indulging gets in full swing? Dr Brian Higgins gave us tips and tricks to manage both. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button.

Christmas is a time to eat, drink and be merry. With two sleeps to go, beer lecturer at TUD Judith Boyle filled us in on the best beers of the year. Always drink responsibly, for the full chat click the 'Play' button on this page

Ian Guider spoke to Matt about all the major business stories that made headlines in 2022. For the full chat click the 'play' button on this page

Are you giving or have you received a gift voucher this Christmas? Charlie Weston, personal finance editor for the Irish Independent, joined Matt to discuss what terms and conditions you should be aware of. For the full chat click the 'play' button on this page.

Authors Padraig Kenny and Claire Hennessy spoke to Matt about their favourite children's books from throughout 2022. Padraig and Claire's Choices: Well Done, Mummy Penguin by Chris Haughten Frankie's World by Aoife Dooley And Everything Will Be Glad To See You edited by Ella Risbridger The Book of Secrets by Alex Dunne Run For Your Life by Claire Mitchell Big Bad Me by Aisliin O' Loughlin When Women Were Dragons by Kelly Barnhill Creature by Shaun Tan Things I Know by Helena Close My Heart And Other Breakables by Alex Barclay For the full chat click the 'play' button on this page

An updated national Climate Action Plan includes targets for increased electric vehicles on roads, enough renewable energy to power all homes and businesses and better rural transport services. The plan outlines action to halve emissions by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050. Hannah Daly, professor in sustainable energy at UCC, and Social Democrats spokesperson Environment and Biodiversity Jennifer Whitmore joined Matt on The Last Word to discuss this latest plan. For the full chat click the 'play' button on this page

Sommelier Cathryn Bell from winerover.ie joined Matt on The Last Word to give her recommendations for the best wines to enjoy this Christmas. Recommendations: Sparkling wine - Raventós i Blanc, Blanc de Blancs, DO Conca del Riu Anoia, Penedés, Spain, 2020 White wine - Celler Pardas, Pur Xarel-lo, DO Penedés, Spain, 2017 Red wine - Bodegas Y Viñedos Raúl Pérez, Ultreia Saint Jacques, Bierzo, Spain, 2019 Red wine - Antonio Madeira Tinto, Dão, Portugal, 2019 For the full chat click the 'play' button on this page

Christmas is often seen as a time to open that special bottle of whiskey or indulge in wine. But what about people who don't want to drink alcohol? Vaughn Yates from the Virgin Mary Bar spoke to Matt about the different non-alcoholic drink options for people to try this Christmas. For the full chat click the 'play' button on this page

The committee investigating the January 6th invasion of the US Capitol building has recommended charges be brought against former President Donald Trump. To discuss this and the week's other US news stories Matt is joined by Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone. For the full chat click the 'play' button on this page

John Caddell and Dee Reddy join Matt on The Last Word to discuss their top music choices from 2022 including music from Harry Styles, Beyonce and CMAT. For the full chat click the 'play' button on this page

Looking for a Christmas gift for the aspiring chef in your life or just to improve your own kitchen knowledge? Russell Alford and Patrick Hanlon, food and travel writers at gastrogays.com and Sunday Times Ireland restaurant critics, joined Matt on The Last Word to discuss their favourite cookbooks of 2022. Russell and Patrick's Choices: Blásta book series Bake by Graham Herterich Ballymaloe Desserts, Iconic Recipes and Stories from Ireland by JR Ryall The GIY Diaries by Michael Kelly Motherland by Melissa Thompson Red Sauce Brown Sauce by Felicity Cloake Middle Eastern Food Made to Share by Mezze Simply Chinese by Suzie Lee Live Fire by Helen Graves For the full chat click the 'play' button on this page

In this week’s The Last Word on Travel, Sarah Slattery from TheTravelExpert.ie looked at the popular destination of Lanzarote. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Matt was joined by Emmet Murphy, MCM Brands and Irish drinks ambassador, for The Last Word’s annual gin and whiskey tasting. See the full list of drinks that they tried below. Snow glove Gin Liqueur 20% An Dulaman marine gin Mor Gin Barts whiskey Red Silkie Teeling black Pitts Cask Strength Fercullen 15 Single Grain Single Cask Dingle Samhain Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Joe O’Shea & Elaine Burke, Editor of Silicon Republic, gave their tips on what to watch on TV and streaming services throughout the festive period. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Argentina were crowned FIFA World Cup champions after beating France in an exhilarating final on Sunday. Tony Cascarino, Mark Lawrenson and Miguel Delaney, Chief Football Writer at The Independent discussed the result which saw Messi finally win the trophy he missed out on four times previously. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

The Qatar World Cup will come to a close when title-holders France take on Argentina in Doha on Sunday. To preview the game Matt was joined by Miguel Delaney, Tony Cascarino and Mark Lawrenson. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Dave Hanratty and Zara Hedderman joined Matt on The Last Word to discuss their top podcast picks for 2022. ZARA'S TOP PICKS · Jokermen (Music) · Unreal: A Critical History of Reality Tv (Pop culture/Entertainment) · To Here Knows When: Great Irish Albums Revisited (Music) · Scamfluencers (Crime/comedy) · Bjork: Sonic Symbolism (Music) DAVE’S TOP PICKS · The Video Archives Podcast with Quentin Tarantino and Roger Avary (Entertainment) · The Coming Storm (News/current affairs) · Hard Fork (Tech/social media/society trends) · Crime Junkie (True Crime) · Wrighty’s House (Sport) Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Orla Ryan from thejournal.ie and Damian McLoughlin, professor of marketing at UCD Smurfit Business School joined Matt on The Last Word to discuss the week's other news stories including Donie O'Sullivan being kicked off Twitter and influencers behaving badly. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Michael Foley, Sunday Times Sportswriter and Kieran Cunningham, Chief Sportswriter with the Irish Daily Star gave their choices on their favourite sports books from the last 12 months. Sports books choices: MICHAEL’S CHOICES: The Game, Tadhg Coakley (close to best book of the year) The GAA in 100 Objects (GAA book of the year) Scoring Goals in the Dark, Clare Shine (best football book, before I've read the Rodfather) Honourable mentions: After the Storm – Damian Lawlor England Football: The Biography – Paul Hayward Away Days, 30 Years of Irish Footballers in the Premier League – Gareth Maher Martin Og Morrissey: An Autobiography KIERAN’S CHOICES: The Game – Tadhg Coakley Let’s Get Physical – Danielle Friedman The GAA in 100 Objects – Siobhan Doyle 15 Rounds in the Wilderness – Dave Hannigan Limerick: A biography in Nine Lives MATT'S CHOICES: Kellie - Kellie Harrington and Roddy Doyle Phil: The Rip-Roaring (and Unauthorized!) Biography of Golf's Most Colorful Superstar - Alan Shipnuck The Rodfather - Roddy Collins and Paul Howard Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

John Gibbons joined Matt to give his tips for the best environmentally conscious gifts for a loved one this Christmas. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Figures provided to The Irish Times by An Garda Síochána show that just 71 fines have been given to motorists for dangerous overtaking of cyclists since legislation was introduced three years ago. Kevin Jennings, chairperson for the Galway Cycling Campaign and motoring journalist Geraldine Herbert spoke to The Last Word about how to improve safety for cyclists on our roads. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

With a GP shortage around the country, Dr. Brian Higgins from Galway Primary Care discussed the issue with Matt and advised the most effective ways to become registered with a practitioner. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Authors Kevin Power and Edel Coffey joined Matt on The Last Word to discuss their favourite fiction books of 2022. List of books: Trespasses by Louise Kennedy Homesickness: Stories by Colin Barrett The Singularities by John Banville Venomous Lumpsucker by Ned Beauman The Geometer Lobochevsky by Adrian Duncan Common Decency by Susannah Dickey The Colony by Audrey Magee Edith by Martina Devlin The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O'Farrell The Anomaly by Herve Le Tellier Again, Rachel by Marian Keyes The Queen of Dirt Island by Donal Ryan It Ends With Us/Starts With Us by Colleen Hoover The Amusements by Aingeala Flannery Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

The cross examination of Jonathan Dowdall has continued in the Special Criminal Court. Dowdall is a key witness in the murder trial of Gerry Hutch. Today FM courts correspondent Frank Greaney outlined on The Last Word what happened in court. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Around 100,000 people who have had their mortgages sold to vulture funds in the past are now seeing some of the highest interest rate hikes in the country. Charlie Weston, personal finance editor for the Irish Independent joined Matt on The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe and journalist Lise Hand joined Matt on The Last Word to discuss their favourite non-fiction books of 2022. Here's the full list: Surrender: 40 Song, One Story by Bono The fall of Boris Johnson by Sebastian Payne Chums by Simon Kuper The Escape Artist by Jonathan Freedland Faith Hope and Carnage by Nick Cave and Sean O'Hagan Without Warning and Only Sometimes by Kit de Waal Last Call at the Hotel Imperial: The Reporters Who Took on a World at War by Deborah Cohen Negative Space by Cristin Leach What Just Happened? - Dispatches For Turbulent Times by Marina Hyde Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

A recent video of Tánaiste Leo Varadkar socialising in a Dublin nightclub which was viewed millions of times on social media has raised questions around privacy laws and whether there is a need for greater regulation on social media. Liam Herrick, executive director of the Irish Council of Civil Liberties, and Fianna Fail Senator Lisa Chambers joined Matt to discuss this. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

US congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene bragged this week that if she was the ringleader for the US Capitol riots on January 6th, 2021, the violent crowd would have won and everyone in it “would’ve been armed”. Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone joined Matt on The Last Word to discuss this as well as the week's biggest US news stories. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

This week for Tech Tuesday Andy O'Donoghue outlined some of the best tech to help you with your sleep. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Senator Mary Fitzpatrick, Fianna Fail Spokesperson on Housing and Richard Boyd Barrett, People Before Profit TD discussed residents’ associations being banned from taking High Court actions against planning decisions, which represents a huge overhaul of Ireland’s current planning system. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Elaine Burke and Joe O'Shea joined Matt for The Last Word's weekly TV & Streaming slot where they selected their favourite shows from the last twelve months. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Miguel Delaney and Tony Cascarino joined Matt to discuss an exciting weekend of World Cup action. Tournament favourites Brazil were knocked out by Croatia on penalties and England's wait for a major trophy win goes on after their defeat to France. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

If you're looking for a fun break for the family but don't want to travel too far, then London might be the place for you. Sarah Slattery from TheTravelExpert.ie told Matt about all of the family friendly attractions that the UK's capital city has to offer. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

As the Netherlands face Argentina and France prepare to take on England, Mark Lawrenson and Tony Cascarino joined The Last Word to discuss the penultimate World Cup weekend. They also chatted Brazil's shock relegation from the competition tonight. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Jack Frost has arrived and he's here to stay. What can we expect for the next week? Cathal Nolan, climate scientist at UCC and founder of Ireland’s Weather Channel, and Keith Leonard, chair of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management joined us to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.