The Last Word with Matt Cooper

After a week that saw Morocco celebrate their historic World Cup victory over Spain by waving the Palestinian flag, Aoife Barry and Mark Paul joined The Last Word to discuss this and other stories making headlines this week. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

World leaders and biodiversity experts are gathering in Montreal for the UN biodiversity conference COP15. Environmental commentator John Gibbons joined Matt on The Last Word to discuss COP15 as well as other environmental news. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

There have been a lot of big releases this year as audiences flocked back to cinemas. We had long-awaited blockbusters like Top Gun: Maverick and a surprising Irish success with An Cailín Ciúin. Brian Lloyd and Roe McDermott joined Matt on The Last Word to discuss their choices for the best movies of 2022. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Christmas party season is in full swing and for many people this is the first time back at a work gathering since before the pandemic. Síobhra Rush is Partner at Lewis Silkin and Head of the Dublin office who specialise in employment law. She joined Matt on The Last Word to talk about the chaos that Christmas parties can cause in the office. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Parents have been advised to keep children at home if they have a fever, cough and sore throat to combat a "significant increase in viral infections" amid concerns about Group A Strep. Dr Brian Higgins joined Matt on The Last Word to outline the warning signs for Strep A and what to do if you spot them. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

In 2016, after years in the spotlight, singer and actor Selena Gomez had to take an extended break right in the middle of her massive Revival tour. Through a new documentary the global superstar bares all and opens up about her mental health struggles. Director of 'Selena Gomez: My Mind and Me', Alek Keshishian spoke to Matt on The Last Word about creating this emotional documentary. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

There is growing concern about the bacterial infection known as Strep A which has been linked to the death of a young child. Dr Denis McCauley, chairman of the GP committee of the Irish Medical Organisation joined Matt on The Last Word. He outlined what the risks of Strep A are and how to spot it. Matt was also joined by Dr Ike Okafor, clinical director with Children’s Health Ireland to discuss the pressures and overcrowding in children’s hospitals. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

The winter weather is here with temperatures set to drop below freezing. With high energy bills and cost of living pressures it’s important to save as much as possible on heating. Charlie Weston joined Matt on The Last Word to discuss how the cold snap could impact heating bills and why it’s important to make sure your house is properly insured for cold weather. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

The US Supreme Court continues to make headlines, as the court's conservative majority sounds ready to rule that a Christian digital designer has a free-speech right to refuse to work with same-sex couples planning to marry. Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone join The Last Word to discuss this and more. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

WiFi woes at home? Trouble sleeping? Our tech expert Andy O'Donoughue has you covered, as he joins Matt to discuss Wi-Fi extenders and technology for a better night's sleep. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

100 years ago today, the Irish Free State was born. Amidst cost of living, housing and healthcare crises many of us might find ourselves asking- what have we gotten right in that time? Mark Henry, author of In Fact: An Optimist’s Guide to Ireland at 100, joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Sarah Slattery from TheTravelExpert.ie told The Last Word about the best Christmas markets in Ireland for the festive period. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Andy O'Donoghue & Ben Finnegan reviewed even more headphones, hoverboards and home tech in the lead up to Christmas. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Miguel Delaney & Mark Lawrenson joined us to analyse the latest World Cup results, which saw Croatia advance against Japan in the first penalty shootout of the tournament. They also looked ahead to England and France's quarter final showdown. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button this page.

Pat Leahy, Political Editor of the Irish Times & Deirdre Heenan, Professor of Social Policy at Ulster University and former member of the Council of State, joined Matt on The Last Word to discuss recent results of an Ipsos poll which found that Northern Ireland would vote decisively against a united Ireland if there was a border poll. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

In a new book 20 of Ireland’s top sports stars talk about their faith and relationships with religion. Author Gerard Gallagher joined Matt on The Last Word to discuss his book Faith: In Search of Greater Glory in Sport. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

The judges at the Regency Hotel murder trial have decided to allow all of the recorded conversations between Gerry Hutch and Jonathan Dowdall into evidence. Today FM courts correspondent Frank Greaney was at the Special Criminal Court today. He outlined what happened on The Last Word. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Roe McDermott and Lorcan Nyhan joined Matt on The Last Word to discuss the other stories making headlines this week including the Harry and Meghan documentary and a big week for baguettes. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Christine McVie, the singer, songwriter and keyboardist who became the biggest hitmaker for Fleetwood Mac has died aged 79. John Cadell joined us to discuss her life and music. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Should motorists be automatically liable for collisions with cyclists? John Gibbons joined Matt to discuss this and more. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Former Fine Gael leader Alan Dukes has come under scrutiny after saying border residents are more prone to violence in an RTÉ documentary about controversial businessman Sean Quinn. He joined The Last Word to address those comments. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

In the midst of flu season, deciphering when a cold is more than just a cold is becoming trickier. Monaghan-based GP Illona Duffy filled us in on how to spot the signs... Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

A four-day working week trial in Ireland has been deemed a success by both the employers and employees taking part. 12 Irish firms tested out the shorter work week over a 6-month period and nine of them have decided to keep it in place. Assistant Professor of Social Policy at UCD Dr Orla Kelly and Peter Cosgrove of Futurewise joined Matt on to discuss the benefits and challenges of introducing a four-day week. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

A massive shortage of taxi drivers is expected in Irish cities and towns this Christmas season. The number of taxi drivers plummeted during the pandemic with many quitting the industry altogether. Vincent Kearns, chief executive of NXT Taxis and Noeline Blackwell from the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre joined Matt on The Last Word to discuss what can be done to get people home safely. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

A review of Irish banking, commissioned by the Department of Finance has said draft heads of a bill should be drawn up next year to protect consumers' and businesses' access to cash. Charlie Weston, personal finance editor with the Irish Independent, joined Matt on The Last Word to discuss this recommendation. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

John Caddell and Dave Hanratty joined Matt on The Last Word to discuss the latest music news including U2 drummer Larry Mullen needing surgery to continue performing and Rolling Stone's list of the 50 worst decisions in music history. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Fertility is a very important issue for many couples. Speaking to Matt on The Last Word, Rosanna Davison shared her own challenges in her fertility journey. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Large protests have erupted across China in recent days triggered by public anger over strict Covid-19 lockdown measures. How has the United States responded to these protests? Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone joined Matt on The Last Word to discuss this as well as the other stories making headlines in the US. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

When buying technology online it is important to make sure what you buy will work in Ireland and with the devices you already have. Andy O'Donoghue joined Matt on The Last Word to talk about the importance of buying compatible tech. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Mark Lawrenson and Kieran Cunningham, Chief Sports Writer with the Irish Daily Star analysed the weekend’s FIFA World Cup results, including Argentina beating Mexico thanks to some Messi magic, Germany earning a vital point against Spain in Group E, and England unexpectedly drawing against the USA. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

In this week’s TV & Streaming slot, Joe O’Shea & Elaine Burke gave their reviews of this year’s Late Late Toy Show. They also discussed Matt Hancock’s stint on 'I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here' and the upcoming documentary on businessman Seán Quinn. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Sarah Slattery from TheTravelExpert.ie returned for The Last Word’s weekly travel slot to give the best tips for travel-related Christmas presents this year. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Dr. Eoin O’Malley, Associate Professor in Political Science at the School of Law and Government at DCU joined Matt on The Last Word to discuss what the Irish government can do to quell possible concerns about the rise of immigration in the country. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

In a new book from the Game of My Life series Cork ladies footballers recall their highlights of playing the game, as well as what motivates them on the field. Ger McCarthy has put these together in Cork LGFA: Game of My Life and he joined Matt on The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

This week Ireland South MEP Mick Wallace spoke in the European Parliament and criticised the protests in Iran. Naomi O’Leary, Europe correspondent with the Irish Times, reports. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Ben Finnegan and Orla Ryan joined Matt to look at the other stories making headlines this week including the World Cup in Qatar and the French man who won the legal right to be boring. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

On The Last Word on Movies Brian Lloyd joined Matt to discuss this week’s biggest movie releases - including Glass Onion, the highly anticipated Knives Out sequel. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Should carpoolers have to pay for tolls? John Gibbons joined the Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

As the days get shorter and colder, have you noticed a change in your mood? Seasonal affective disorder is a form of mood disorder that changes with the seasons, usually beginning in the autumn and resolving in the springtime. Dr Brian Higgins, GP at Galway Primary Care joined the Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Gardaí have joined law enforcement groups across the world in an international investigation into a website which enabled fraudsters to make phone calls from trusted numbers to commit cybercrime. They have arrested six people in Ireland. Stephen Breen, Crime Editor with the Irish Sun and Sarah McGuinness who has experienced spoofing fraud joined us to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

The Last Word's annual Gadget Show is back, brought to you by Currys. Our tech expert Andy O'Donoghue was joined by a number of other guests to review the best phones, speakers, laptops, tablets, wearables and lots more. Ed Smith and Elaine Burke gave us their sound and vision recommendations, Brian Lloyd discussed gaming, Brianna Parkins and Pamela Joyce joined us with their health and lifestyle favourites, while Pamela joined Ben Finnegan to recommend some must-have home tech. Curry’s Black Tag sale is now on, and you can shop the products featured in the Gagdet Show online at Currys.ie or in store. Listen to the entire show by pressing the 'Play' button on this page. For details of all of the products reviewed, go to: https://bit.ly/3ED9zOG Here are our Top Picks that we think you'll love: SAMSUNG The Freestyle SP-LSP3BLAXXU Smart Full HD TV Projector with Amazon Alexa Portable and easy to use, The Samsung Freestyle is the perfect projector for any movie night. Nespresso Vertuo POP Expect delicious coffee in seconds from the Nespresso Vertuo POP. No mess, no fuss, suitable for the office desk or the kitchen worktop. HOVER-1 Superstar Hoverboard & Go-Kart Combo Dust off those helmets! With LED lights and wheels and a built-in Bluetooth speaker, this hoverboard/go cart hybrid is sure to bring hours of fun. Google Pixel 7 Pro With a state-of-the-art camera and built-in software so you can edit on the fly, the Pixel 7 Pro has fast become one of the most sought-after phones of the year. SONY wh-1000xm5 wireless Bluetooth noise-cancelling headphones Sleek and lightweight, these premium, noise-cancelling earphones are the perfect gift for any music buff this Christmas.

With Black Friday and Cyber Monday on the horizon consumers are being warned to be wary of scams. Fraudsters stole €45 million from Irish online shoppers in the second half of last year. Andy O'Donoghue joined Matt on The Last Word to give his tips to stay cyber safe when shopping this Black Friday. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Ed Smith and Dave Hanratty joined Matt to discuss the week's biggest stories, including Blur returning to Dublin, Bono's stage show and why Mariah Carey can't officially be called the Queen of Christmas. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

US President Joe Biden has just celebrated his 80th birthday becoming the first ever president to do so while in office. Is Biden too old to run for a second term? Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone joined Matt on The Last Word to discuss this as well as other US news stories of the week.

There is over €150 billion in household savings in banks and credit unions in Ireland but those who are lucky enough to have money set aside are getting little or nothing in interest back. Charlie Weston spoke to Matt about why Irish banks have the worst interest rates in Europe. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

COP27 has come to a close with nations finally agreeing on a loss and damage fund to help vulnerable countries. Siobhan Curran, head of policy and advocacy with Trocaire and Dr Tara Shine, founder of Change by Degrees and author of 'How to Save Your Planet One Object at a Time' joined Matt on The Last Word to look at the achievements and the failures of COP27. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

RTE's new documentary, 'Saipan: Rebel Without A Ball' explores how far Ireland could have gone if Roy Keane had stayed at the World Cup in Saipan. Joe O'Shea and Elaine Burke joined Matt on The Last Word to discuss this and more. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

With Black Friday coming up Sarah Slattery from the travelexpert.ie joined us to discuss the best travel deals including package holidays, flights, cruises and more. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

Teams from seven European countries have confirmed they will no longer be wearing the 'One Love' armband due to fear of a yellow card being issued. Kieran Cunnignham, chief sportswriter with the Irish Daily Star spoke to Matt about the ongoing controversies that surround the World Cup as it begins. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

The World Cup kicks off in Qatar on Sunday. Mark Lawrenson and Miguel Delaney joined Matt on The Last Word to preview the tournament. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.