The Last Word with Matt Cooper
- Episodes
- 3,574
- Released
- daily
- Latest episode
- Nov 13, 2026
About the podcast
On Ireland's most cutting edge current affairs show, Matt and his guests provide a running stream of intelligent opinions and heated debates on the issues that matter most to Irish listeners. You might not always agree, but you'll never want to miss a Word.
Episodes 3,574
Nations Championship Preview: Ireland vs Fiji
After last weekend's victory over Argentina, Ireland will look to keep the positive momentum going on Saturday when they face Fiji in the Nations Championship.Matt Williams joins The Last Word to preview the …
Show notes
After last weekend's victory over Argentina, Ireland will look to keep the positive momentum going on Saturday when they face Fiji in the Nations Championship.
Matt Williams joins The Last Word to preview the game.
Hit the 'Play' button on this page to hear the chat.
The Week Trending
From David Walliams' failed injection bid to the banning of smokey bacon crisps, Joe O'Shea of Corkbeo.ie, and Journalist Edel Coffey, join The Last Word to talk all thigs trending.To listen to the full chat …
Show notes
From David Walliams' failed injection bid to the banning of smokey bacon crisps, Joe O'Shea of Corkbeo.ie, and Journalist Edel Coffey, join The Last Word to talk all thigs trending.
To listen to the full chat, press 'PLAY' on this page now!
The Edge Interview: "Most Likely" Will Be 2028 Before U2 Play Ireland
The Edge joins The Last Word following the release of 'Carnival de Luz', U2's first album since 2017. He chats to Matt about making music for fifty years, collaborating with Dolly Parton shortly before her …
Show notes
The Edge joins The Last Word following the release of 'Carnival de Luz', U2's first album since 2017.
He chats to Matt about making music for fifty years, collaborating with Dolly Parton shortly before her death, and when the band will bring their tour to Ireland.
Hear the full conversation by pressing 'Play' on this page!
John Creedon On The Priesthood, Cork, & Pirate Radio
Broadcaster John Creedon joins The Last Word following the publication of his second memoir 'This Boy's Voice'. He chats to Matt about his period in St Brendan’s College, Killarney (“the Sem”), finding …
Show notes
Broadcaster John Creedon joins The Last Word following the publication of his second memoir 'This Boy's Voice'.
He chats to Matt about his period in St Brendan’s College, Killarney (“the Sem”), finding opportunity in 1980s Cork and his beginning on pirate radio.
Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
COP31 Continues Amidst Pessimism About Climate Targets
World leaders continue to meet in Turkey amid predictions by the Climate Action Tracker that the world is headed for an ‘irrecoverable overshoot’ of temperatures thresholds.Commentator John Gibbons speaks to …
Show notes
World leaders continue to meet in Turkey amid predictions by the Climate Action Tracker that the world is headed for an ‘irrecoverable overshoot’ of temperatures thresholds.
Commentator John Gibbons speaks to Matt on The Last Word.
Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.
US Envoys To Meet Zelenskyy In Dublin
With 50 world leaders in attendance at the European Political Community meeting in Dublin, Shona Murray, Europe Correspondent with Euronews, talks to Matt about the significance of the gathering.Siobhan …
Show notes
With 50 world leaders in attendance at the European Political Community meeting in Dublin, Shona Murray, Europe Correspondent with Euronews, talks to Matt about the significance of the gathering.
Siobhan O’Grady, Ukraine Correspondent with the New York Times discusses Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's peace talks with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.
Tech Thursdays: Smart Lunchboxes
Whether you prefer hot or cold meals at your desk, Andy O'Donoghue reviews all the best smart lunchboxes and flasks to cater to all tastes and price ranges.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' …
Show notes
Whether you prefer hot or cold meals at your desk, Andy O'Donoghue reviews all the best smart lunchboxes and flasks to cater to all tastes and price ranges.
To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.
Culture Club: Denise Chaila
Singer and songwriter Denise Chaila joins The Last Word for the Culture Club. Press 'play' to hear all of Denise's choices!
Ireland To Miss 2030 Housing Target - Deloitte
A new report has warned that Ireland is set to fall well short of its target to deliver 300,000 new homes by 2030. Deloitte's annual crane survey forecasts a shortfall of more than 120,000 homes, despite …
Show notes
A new report has warned that Ireland is set to fall well short of its target to deliver 300,000 new homes by 2030. Deloitte's annual crane survey forecasts a shortfall of more than 120,000 homes, despite progress and record completions expected in 2026. Kate English, chief economist with Deloitte, joins The Last Word to discuss. Hear the full conversation by pressing 'play' on this page!Personal Finance: Are You Due A Tax Refund?
Thousands of PAYE customers are due a tax refund, with Revenue data showing that close to 400,000 people overpaid their taxes in 2025. Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor with the Irish Independent, speaks …
Show notes
Thousands of PAYE customers are due a tax refund, with Revenue data showing that close to 400,000 people overpaid their taxes in 2025. Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor with the Irish Independent, speaks to Matt on The Last Word. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.State’s Biggest Ever Security Operation Gets Underway
Jennifer Gilna, Head of Communications for the National Transport Authority, outlines the public transport routes affected this week by the arrival of European leaders, heads of state and international …
Show notes
Jennifer Gilna, Head of Communications for the National Transport Authority, outlines the public transport routes affected this week by the arrival of European leaders, heads of state and international organisations for a summit on Thursday. Conor Lally, Crime and Security Editor of the Irish Times has the details of the security operation. To catch the full conversation, press the ‘play’ button on this page.The Last Word On The US: Will Pete Hegseth Be Impeached?
US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth has defended his record after a Republican lawmaker moved to force an impeachment vote against him over his handling of the Iran war. Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone join The …
Show notes
US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth has defended his record after a Republican lawmaker moved to force an impeachment vote against him over his handling of the Iran war. Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone join The Last Word to discuss this and more of the latest news from the United States, including reports that Nvidia CEO and Trump ally Jensen Huang had an affair with an alleged Chinese spy. Catch the full discussion by pressing the ‘Play’ button on this page!David Walliams Accused Of Using Status To Groom Young Fans
Television personality and children’s author David Walliams has been accused by multiple women of using his power and celebrity status to prey on young women and teenagers for sex. Details of the grooming and …
Show notes
Television personality and children’s author David Walliams has been accused by multiple women of using his power and celebrity status to prey on young women and teenagers for sex. Details of the grooming and sexual misconduct allegations, unearthed by The Guardian and ITV News, can now be revealed after Walliams failed in an injunction attempt not be named. Nick Ferrari, presenter of Nick Ferrari at Breakfast on LBC Radio, joins The Last Word to discuss. Hear the full conversation by pressing the ‘Play’ button on this page.Ryanair’s New Bag Drop Rules Come Into Effect From Today
From today, Ryanair passengers must drop their bags at least an hour ahead of their flight’s scheduled departure time. The change, which is an increase of 20 minutes on previous rules, is to allow more time to …
Show notes
From today, Ryanair passengers must drop their bags at least an hour ahead of their flight’s scheduled departure time. The change, which is an increase of 20 minutes on previous rules, is to allow more time to clear passport and security queues in airports. Eoghan Corry from TravelExtra.ie joins Matt on The Last Word. Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.Man United Salvage A Draw Against Aston Villa – But Is It Enough To Save Carrick’s Job?
Manchester United came from two goals down twice at Old Trafford on Sunday to earn a draw against Aston Villa.United are still in the relegation zone though, having earned just 8 points in their first 10 …
Show notes
Manchester United came from two goals down twice at Old Trafford on Sunday to earn a draw against Aston Villa.
United are still in the relegation zone though, having earned just 8 points in their first 10 games.
Dion Fanning and Will O’Callaghan join The Last Word to discuss the weekend’s football.
Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.
TV & Streaming: Married At First Sight UK Axed After Sexual Assault Allegations
Channel 4 has axed Married At First Sight UK after allegations of rape and sexual assault during its production.Joe O’Shea and Elaine Burke speak to Matt on The Last Word.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to …
Show notes
Channel 4 has axed Married At First Sight UK after allegations of rape and sexual assault during its production.
Joe O’Shea and Elaine Burke speak to Matt on The Last Word.
Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.
New Research Highlights Wide-ranging Benefits of Cancer Trials
Prof Gerry Hanna, vice-clinical lead at Cancer Trials Ireland, talks to Matt about benefits of cancer trials.Phyllis O'Toole, was was diagnosed with breast cancer, and later lung cancer and who has been a …
Show notes
Prof Gerry Hanna, vice-clinical lead at Cancer Trials Ireland, talks to Matt about benefits of cancer trials.
Phyllis O'Toole, was was diagnosed with breast cancer, and later lung cancer and who has been a participant in a cancer trial, talks about her experience and her prognosis.
To listen to the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.
Dublin To Come To A Standstill As World Leaders Gather For Summits
Dublin city centre will see major traffic disruptions this week as the capital hosts dozens of world leaders for two major summits. Olivia Kelly, Dublin editor with Irish Times, joins The Last Word to outline …
Show notes
Dublin city centre will see major traffic disruptions this week as the capital hosts dozens of world leaders for two major summits. Olivia Kelly, Dublin editor with Irish Times, joins The Last Word to outline the expected transport disruptions. Shona Murray, Europe correspondent with Euronews, also joins to discuss what world leaders will be attending and the security required as a result. Catch the full chat by pressing the ‘Play’ button on this page!The Week Trending: Russell Brand Guilty; Martha Stewart's Halloween Costume; Thomas Markle Arrested
Roe McDermott and Padraig Wilson McCarthy join Matt on The Last Word to discuss the stories that made the headlines this week.Among them were Russell Brand being found guilty of rape and sexual assault, Martha …
Show notes
Roe McDermott and Padraig Wilson McCarthy join Matt on The Last Word to discuss the stories that made the headlines this week.
Among them were Russell Brand being found guilty of rape and sexual assault, Martha Stewart's apology after she received backlash for her Halloween costume and 'mogging' being declared Word of the Year for 2026 by Collins Dictionary.
Hit the 'Play' button on this page to hear the chat.
What Happened In The First Week Of The Scarlett Faulkner Murder Trial?
A woman in her 40s and a teenage girl are on trial for the murder of Scarlett Faulkner in Co Tipperary earlier this year. The 28-year-old died on 13 April after an incident at Birdhill in Co Tipperary on 21 …
Show notes
A woman in her 40s and a teenage girl are on trial for the murder of Scarlett Faulkner in Co Tipperary earlier this year. The 28-year-old died on 13 April after an incident at Birdhill in Co Tipperary on 21 March this year. Today FM courts correspondent Frank Greaney joins The Last Word to outline what was heard in the first week of the trial. Hear the full conversation by pressing ‘Play’ on this page.Bomb Threats Against Irish Media Ahead Of EU Leaders Summit Next Week
Staff at various Irish media organisations were evacuated this morning after receiving hoax bomb threats.The incident follows a coordinated series of threats on European airlines this week and cyberattacks that …
Show notes
Staff at various Irish media organisations were evacuated this morning after receiving hoax bomb threats.
The incident follows a coordinated series of threats on European airlines this week and cyberattacks that disabled supermarket fridges.
Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence Thomas Byrne joins The Last Word to discuss the risk of further threats as Ireland hosts dozens of world leaders for a major European summit next week.
Hear the full conversation by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!
Voting Open For An Post Irish Book Awards 2026
Matt is joined by some of the nominees in the Last Word Listeners' Choice category of the An Post Irish book awards, Gary Murphy, Patrick Freyne, Marie Gleeson and Darragh McGee. To listen to the full …
Show notes
Matt is joined by some of the nominees in the Last Word Listeners' Choice category of the An Post Irish book awards, Gary Murphy, Patrick Freyne, Marie Gleeson and Darragh McGee.
To listen to the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.
Environment: Kellogg’s Changes Rice Krispies Recipe Due To Climate Change
Kellogg’s has removed rice from its Rice Krispies and Coco Pops recipes due to "changing weather conditions” that have disrupted supplies of some grains and cereals.Commentator John Gibbons speaks to Matt on …
Show notes
Kellogg’s has removed rice from its Rice Krispies and Coco Pops recipes due to "changing weather conditions” that have disrupted supplies of some grains and cereals.
Commentator John Gibbons speaks to Matt on The Last Word.
Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.
Russell Brand Found Guilty Of Rape And Sexual Assault
Russell Brand is likely facing years behind bars after a jury found him guilty of one count of rape and three of sexual assault. Nick Ferrari, presenter of Nick Ferrari at Breakfast on LBC Radio, joins The Last …
Show notes
Russell Brand is likely facing years behind bars after a jury found him guilty of one count of rape and three of sexual assault. Nick Ferrari, presenter of Nick Ferrari at Breakfast on LBC Radio, joins The Last Word to discuss the downfall of the former comedian who is now facing further allegations of rape. Hear the full conversation by pressing ‘Play’ on this page.Tech To Improve Your Home Office
Andy O'Donoghue joins The Last Word to run through the latest products available to update your home work space.Hit the 'Play' button on this page to hear the piece.
Internal Report Highlights Fine Gael Identity Crisis
Ahead of the party's Ard Fheis, Danny McConnell, Editor of the Business Post, joins Matt to discuss an internal report that found many people don't have a 'clear idea what Fine Gael is about'.To catch the full …
Show notes
Ahead of the party's Ard Fheis, Danny McConnell, Editor of the Business Post, joins Matt to discuss an internal report that found many people don't have a 'clear idea what Fine Gael is about'.
To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.
Culture Club: Sarah Maria Griffin
The latest inductee in the Culture Club is writer Sarah Maria Griffin. Her new novel, Strange Is The Light, tells the story of four friends over 30 years as they grapple with the secrets of their past.Sarah …
Show notes
The latest inductee in the Culture Club is writer Sarah Maria Griffin. Her new novel, Strange Is The Light, tells the story of four friends over 30 years as they grapple with the secrets of their past.
Sarah also talks about her favourite books, movies, TV and music.
To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.
How Will Trump React To Being A Lame Duck President?
Democrats have regained control of both the House and Senate in the US midterm elections, making extraordinary gains in Republican territory. So how will Donald Trump respond to this rebuke of his presidency? …
Show notes
Democrats have regained control of both the House and Senate in the US midterm elections, making extraordinary gains in Republican territory. So how will Donald Trump respond to this rebuke of his presidency? Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone join The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!Robert O'Connor Found Guilty of Manslaughter By Diminished Responsibility
Robert O'Connor who stabbed his parents and younger brother to death at their Co Louth home has been found not guilty of their murders but guilty of manslaughter by diminished responsibility by the unanimous …
Show notes
Robert O'Connor who stabbed his parents and younger brother to death at their Co Louth home has been found not guilty of their murders but guilty of manslaughter by diminished responsibility by the unanimous verdicts of a Central Criminal Court jury. Frank Greaney, Today FM courts correspondent, joins The Last Word to outline the verdict. Hear the full conversation by pressing 'play' on this page.The Last Word On The US: Voting Underway In Midterm Elections
Voting is underway in the United States midterm elections and the Democrats are hoping to win control of Congress and the Senate as American’s deliver their verdict on President Donald Trump’s second term. Cal …
Show notes
Voting is underway in the United States midterm elections and the Democrats are hoping to win control of Congress and the Senate as American’s deliver their verdict on President Donald Trump’s second term. Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone join The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the ‘Play’ button on this page!
These are the latest 40 of 3,574 episodes. You’ll find older episodes in the podcast’s feed.
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