The Last Word with Matt Cooper

In the second instalment of The Last Word’s series on the delays people face on their daily commutes in Ireland, we look at one of the country's most congested cities: Galway.Matt speaks CEO of Galway Chamber Karen Ronan and former Galway All-Ireland winning captain Ray Silke about their experience of commuting into Galway city and what can be done to help ease the issues.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the discussion.

On this week’s Environment slot, Matt talks to John Gibbons about the noise and air pollution produced by leaf blowers.Meanwhile, in response to an earlier item on the show regarding commuting issues in Galway, John gave his opinion on whether the city needs a new ring road to ease traffic congestion.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.

The Government is bringing in emergency regulations to stop companies attempting to dodge the new pension auto-enrolment system by forcing employees to join less favourable schemes.Charlie Weston, personal finance editor of the Irish Independent, and Dr Laura Bambrick, head of social policy with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, join The Last Word to discuss.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

On the Last Word, Andy O'Donoghue previews the Last Word Gadget Show 2025.Andy also answers a listener's question on the best GPS watches for children. To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

Colm Williamson, the man behind Waterford Whispers News, is this week’s entry into The Last Word's Culture Club.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear all his choices.

Commuters say they are facing longer journey times to and from work or school due to increased traffic congestion and poor alternative transport options. This comes as many employers are pushing for staff to return to the office, which means even more workers will be making the commute into the country's urban centres every day.To discuss the challenges of commuting and how they can be addressed, The Last Word is joined by radio producer Diarmuid Doyle who commutes from Navan, Professor Brian Caulfield from Trinity College Dublin, Mark Wall, Labour TD for Kildare South, Geraldine Herbert, motoring editor with the Sunday Independent, and Alison Hodgson, the CIPD’s market director for Ireland . Hear the full discussion by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

According to the latest Drinkaware survey, Ireland's relationship with alcohol is shifting, with 1 in 3 reporting drinking at home at least once a week, and alone.Does this cultural shift mean the home is becoming 'the pub'? Ali Dunworth, author of A Compendium of Irish Pints: The Culture, Customs and Craic, talks to Matt about the findings in the survey, and what could be causing Irish people and younger people to be changing their drinking habits.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

US President Donald Trump has urged Republicans in the House of Representatives to vote to release the Epstein files despite spending weeks claiming that the vote was a distraction led by the Democratic Party. Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone join The Last Word to discuss Trump's reversal and more of the latest news from the United States. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Paschal Donohoe has stepped down from his role as Minister for Finance to take up a senior position at the World Bank, prompting a Cabinet reshuffle.Daniel McConnell, editor of the Business Post, Dan O’Brien, chief economist at the Institute of International and European Affairs, Sarah Carey, columnist with the Irish Independent, and Professor Gary Murphy, professor of politics at the School of Law and Government in DCU, join The Last Word to discuss Donohoe's surprise move and where it leaves Fine Gael and the coalition going forward.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

On Sunday, Troy Parrott delivered one of the most memorable moments in Irish sport when he scored a 96th minute winner against Hungary to send Ireland into the World Cup qualifying playoffs next March.It was his 5th goal across just two games and in the space of just four days. After a dismal start to their qualifying campaign, the win in Budapest topped off a stunning week for Heimir Hallgrimsson’s team.Gavin Cooney of The42.ie and former Ireland international Tony Cascarino spoke to Matt on Monday’s The Last Word.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.

Professor Louise Crowley is well-known as a professor in family law at University College Cork and director of the Bystander Intervention Programme, but many people may not know that she has suffered from lupus since she was 17 years old. Louise joins The Last Word to talk about her experience of living with this crippling auto-immune disease.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Conor Sheehan, TD, Labour Housing Spokesperson and Sean O’Neill McPartlin, Director of Housing Policy, Progress Ireland, debate the proposal from the Housing Minister, to encourage older people to split the family home into flats, rather than downsize.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page

Businessman Denis O'Brien has said remote working is a 'mistake' and graduates are 'entitled'; the Social Democrats have called for the voting age to be reduced to 16; and what are Pope Leo's favourite movies?Orla Ryan, news reporter with the Irish Times, and Joe O’Shea, editor of Cork Beo, join The Last Word to discuss the week's trending stories.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Tom Keogh, founder of Keogh's Crisps, talks to Matt about being the overall family business winner at the Irish Family Business Awards.He also talks about the farming tradition on his family farm in North Country Dublin and why he diversified into crisps production at time when sales of Irish potatoes were in a down turn.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

Ireland's shock 2-0 win against Portugal has kept their dreams of qualifying for next year's World Cup alive.Gavin Cooney, sportswriter with The42.ie, & former Ireland striker Tony Cascarino join The Last Word to discuss Thursday's incredible performance at the Aviva and to look ahead the team's final group game away to Hungary on Sunday.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

On Thursday, the government unveiled its new housing plan, promising a minimum of 300,000 new homes to be built by 2030.However, Sinn Féin has criticised the plan, with the party’s housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin saying that it was written for “big developers to benefit their private interests” and that “families have once again been ignored”.Mr. Ó Broin and Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, John Cummins, spoke to Matt on The Last Word.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation

The Climate Change Advisory Council has said that carbon emissions in Ireland’s transport sector remain “stubbornly high” and that more will need to be done if the country is to achieve its 2030 climate targets.John Gibbons spoke to Matt on Thursday’s The Last Word.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear their chat.

Want to put your feet up while your house is cleaned?Andy O'Donoghue joins The Last Word to run through some of the best smart vacuums on the market.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Chef and author Clodagh McKenna is the latest inductee into the Culture Club. She talks to Matt about her book, Clodagh's Happy Cooking.She also runs through her favourite music, movies, TV and books that other cultural treasures that have she returns to time and again.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

A major conference this week heard that Ireland has seen a significant rise in behavioural addictions including excessive gambling, screen use and online shopping.Professor Colin O’Gara, head of addiction services at St John Of God Hospital and clinical professor of psychiatry at UCD, joins The Last Word to discuss the rise in people presenting with addictions linked to their phone or devices.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Revenue has estimated that over 300,000 people are due an income tax refund which could be claimed back just before Christmas.People who filed a tax return last year got an average of €900 back into their pockets.Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor with the Irish Independent, joined Matt on Wednesday’s The Last Word.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.

The US Senate has approved a Bill that would end the longest government shutdown in US history which has disrupted food benefits and left hundreds of thousands of workers unpaid. Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone joined The Last Word to discuss all of the latest news from the United States. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Single adults need to earn significantly more than couples if they want to enjoy a comparable lifestyle, according to new research.Kelly Warburton, a single first-time buyer, and Michael Dowling, Managing Director of Michael Dowling Mortgage and Financial Services, joined The Last Word to discuss the financial challenges faced by single people.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Catherine Connolly has been formally declared the 10th president of Ireland following her inauguration at Dublin Castle on Tuesday.In her speech, she said she would “embrace the role with dignity, determination and courage”. She also vowed to be a “unifying presence” and a “catalyst for change”.What will Connolly’s presidency look like?Lise Hand & Flor McCarthy, co-hosts of the Think You Know The Presidents podcast, spoke to Matt on The Last Word.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

Matt Cooper introduces Lines of Enquiry, a new true crime podcast from GoLoud. Presented by retired Garda forensic specialist John Sweetman, the series examines some of Ireland’s most compelling cases with clarity, compassion and rare inside detail. Each episode breaks down how cases were built, what the evidence revealed, and the turning points that shaped the search for truth. If you’re looking for a thoughtful and meticulously crafted approach to Irish true crime, Matt says this is the one to start with!Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3EzGXohKAgAo9iu9ADiHgU?si=5cFEye46T--tg2XYODt4mA&nd=1&dlsi=6056134236a24ed1

On Sunday, the BBC’s Director General Tim Davie and Chief Executive of News Deborah Turness both resigned after they were accused of misleading viewers by editing a speech by US President Donald Trump in a Panorama documentary.Mr. Trump has welcomed the resignations and threatened to sue the broadcasting company if it does not "immediately retract" the programme.Joe O’Shea and Elaine Burke joined Matt on Monday’s The Last Word.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.

Irish Olympian and former 400m runner, David Gillick spoke to Matt Cooper about his memoir The Race, charting the highs and lows of his athletics career.He also spoke about life away from the track.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

From a luxury resort in Thailand to the rocky island of Skellig Michael, TV shows and movies are influencing travellers to see places they may not have thought of before.Sarah Slattery from thetravelexpert.ie joined The Last Word to chat about some incredible holiday destinations that feature in TV and film.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

This week for The Week Trending Matt is joined by Journalist Lise Hand and Managing Director of the Communications Clinic Eoghan Tomás McDermott. They discuss the 'lion' spotted in County Clare, people cloning their pets, Zohran Mamdani's historic election win and much more.Hit Play on this page to listen now

Republic of Ireland Footballer & Diabetes Ireland Ambassador Jake O'Brien sits down with Matt to discuss how he manages his diabetes while playing elite sport.Hit Play on this page to listen now.

Jackie McCarthy O'Brien is a Limerick sporting legend, a former Ireland international soccer and rugby player. Jackie joined Matt in studio to talk about her life in sport, being separated from her mother at a young age and dealing with racism in Ireland.Jackie recently published her memoir, We Made It Kid: Living Life In Full Colour.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

Climate scientists have criticised billionaire Bill Gates for comments he made on climate change last week.Gates published a 17-page memo in which he called for a “strategic pivot” away from reducing emissions. He also went on to say that global warming “will not lead to humanity’s demise”.Elsewhere, An Taoiseach Micheál Martin is among the world leaders attending COP30 in Brazil this week. But given so many high-ranking political figures have declined to go, is the summit serving its purpose?John Gibbons joined Matt for Thursday’s environment slot.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.

Presenter, writer and passionate advocate for the Irish language, Hector Ó hEochagáin was the latest inductee into the Culture Club.He spoke to Matt about his latest book, An Irish Word A Day and explained where his love for Irish came from. He also discussed his favourite music, films, books, TV and more.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

The Department of Finance this week published a major report which looks to provide a long-term economic and fiscal outlook for Ireland, set out over four decades.'Future Forty: A Fiscal and Economic Outlook to 2065' projects falling tax revenues, an ageing population and no immediate end to the housing crisis.Daniel McConnell, editor of the Business Post, Kate English, chief economist with Deloitte, and Michelle Murphy, research and policy analyst with Social Justice Ireland, all joined The Last Word to discuss where Ireland's economy will be in forty years?Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

AIB, PTSB and Bank of Ireland were responsible for 93% of new mortgage lending in September 2025, which is considerably higher than the 60% figure reported in 2018.Does this suggest that Ireland’s banking system is dysfunctional?Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor with the Irish Independent, spoke to Matt on Wednesday.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.

As the annual John Lewis Christmas advert was released, Dee Reddy and John Caddell discussed the change in direction, as Alice Limerick's Where Love Lives was the chosen soundtrack.They also debated whether album charts are obsolete and talked about a series of secret gigs from Spotify's 'billionaires cub', as Ed Sheeran surprised fans in Dublin for an intimate concert at the RDS.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

Former US vice president Dick Cheney, who served under President George W Bush from 2001 to 2009, has died aged 84. Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone joined The Last Word to discuss Cheney's legacy and more of the latest news from the United States. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Earlier this year, Richard Satchwell was found guilty of the murder of his wife Tina in 2017.Journalists Ralph Riegel and Paul Byrne have released a new book called “Beneath the Stairs”, in which they explore the details surrounding Tina’s disappearance and death, Richard’s appearances in the media appealing for information and the court case that followed after her body was discovered.Ralph Riegel spoke to Ian Guider on Tuesday.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.

Broadcaster Miriam O'Callaghan spoke to Matt about her new memoir Miriam: Life, Work, Everything.She spoke about her 30 year career at RTÉ, juggling family life and taking on Facebook over fake ads.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

Russell Alford, co-restaurant critic for the Sunday Times and one-half of the GastroGays, joined The Last Word to chat about more holiday destinations for food lovers.This time he told us all about Glasgow in Scotland and Krakow in Poland. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Former Kilkenny hurler DJ Carey has been jailed for five and a half years for defrauding 22 people by falsely claiming he was receiving treatment for cancer.Mr. Carey conned his victims out of almost €400,000 and has repaid €44,200 of it.Frank Greaney, Today FM’s Courts Correspondent, spoke to Matt on Monday.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.

Ireland will play New Zealand at Soldier Field in Chicago on Saturday night in a repeat fixture of Ireland's memorable 40-29 win in 2016.Billy Holland, Paul Wallace and Matt Williams previewed the game on Friday's The Last Word.Hit the 'Play' button on this page to hear the piece.

Is having a boyfriend embarrassing? A Vogue article, which went viral this week, has claimed that women are increasingly keeping their relationship under wraps.Cathal O’Sullivan, 98FM producer, and Emily Keegan, multimedia reporter with Today FM, joined The Last Word to discuss this and more of the week's trending stories. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Frank Greaney, Today FM courts correspondent, and Eimear Ni Bhraonain, author of The Dodger: DJ Carey and the Great Betrayal, were at the sentencing hearing of DJ Carey.The former Kilkenny hurling legend will be sentenced on Monday after he admitted defrauding 13 people by claiming he needed money to pay for cancer treatment.Judge Martin Nolan said a custodial sentence was inevitable.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

Writer Michael Harding joined The Last Word to discuss his new book 'Midwinter: A Journey Through a Season' which explores the cycle of death and renewal that winter brings.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Writer and comedian Ben Elton joined The Last Word to discuss his new memoir 'What Have I Done?'.He spoke about his reflections on his career, the death of studio sitcoms like 'Blackadder', and why he wishes the internet had never been invented.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

To celebrate the release of her new book 'One of Us', author Elizabeth Day joined Matt on The Last Word for the latest edition of the Culture Club.Hit the 'Play' button on this page to hear all her choices.

Columnist and author Carl Kinsella joined The Last Word to chat about his new book 'At Least it Looks Good from Space: A Catalogue of Modern, Millennial and Personal Catastrophes'.He talks about his experience of living with OCD, the dangers of social media and why he hates Irish mammy jokes. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Transport Infrastructure Ireland has announced toll increases on a number of motorways and the Dublin Port Tunnel effective from January 1 next year.Transport commentator Conor Faughnan and Peader Tóibín, Áontú leader and TD for Meath West, join The Last Word to discuss why these tolls are increasing and whether they are the best way to fund the maintenance of the national road network.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor with the Independent, outlined the findings of a new report from think tank Tax Foundation, that ranked Ireland 37th out of 38 countries for personal taxes. He explained how the wealth gap between the super rich and the rest of us is widening.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.