The Last Word with Matt Cooper

Following on from her Oliva Kittridge and Lucy Barton novels, Pulitzer Prize winning author Elizabeth Strout has turned her attention to a new cast of characters.The Things We Never Say introduces the unassuming Artie Dam, a school teacher in Massachusetts, who harbours a deep secret.Elizabeth talks to Matt about the inspiration behind the novel and how her own background influences what she is compelled to write about.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

The FIFA World Cup kicks off on Thursday with co-hosts Mexico facing South Africa.There'll be a staggering 104 matches across the tournament, with a record 48 teams involved.Miguel Delaney, Chief Football Writer with The Independent and Dion Fanning, co-host of the Free State podcast, preview the competition on The Last Word.Hit the ‘Play' button on this page to hear the piece.

Andy O'Donoghue runs through the best e-readers, tablets, speakers and more to help keep you entertained on a long flight or road trip.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

A new report published by the Climate Change Advisory Council has found that 4,500 homes and 570km of road in Ireland are at risk of being lost due to coastal erosion.The report has recommended mandatory “natural hazard disclosures” for homebuyers so that they're aware of the risks involved when purchasing a property.Sadhbh O'Neill, Climate and Environmental Researcher and Irish Times Contributor, joins Matt for Thursday's environment slot on The Last Word.Hit the ‘Play' button on this page to hear the chat.

Singer-Songwriter Mark Geary is the latest inductee into the Culture Club.His latest six-tack EP, Antebellum, is out now. Mark runs through his musical influences, as well as his favourite TV shows, music, books and more.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

Author Maggie O'Farrell, who wrote the best-selling novel ‘Hamnet' has released her latest book ‘Land'.She speaks to Matt on The Last Word about the excitement of her novel being adapted to the big screen, her pride in her Irish roots and the focus on identity running through ‘Land'.Hit the ‘Play' button on this page to hear the piece.

The trial of 52-year-old Riad Bouchaker, who is charged with the attempted murder of three children and assault causing serious harm to a care worker in November 2023 began on Wednesday.The court heard from the mother of one of the children, who said her daughter suffered severe injuries and is now non-verbal and in a wheelchair.Frank Greaney, Today FM Courts Correspondent, joins The Last Word.Hit the ‘Play' button on this page to hear the piece.

British journalist and author Martin Sixsmith talks to Matt about his latest book, Suing The Kremlin: The Battle For Putin's Billions.The book details how Oligarchs, once seen as allies of Russian regimes, have been turned on and end up in prison, in exile, or are killed. To listen to the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

US President Donald Trump walked out of an interview with NBC's Meet The Press after a tense exchange with journalist Kristen Welker.Welker pressed Trump on his claims that the 2020 presidential election was rigged, with the President then accusing her of being “crooked”.Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone join Matt for The Last Word on The US.Hit the ‘Play' button on this page to hear the discussion.

Opposition parties have called on the government to back motions which call for Ireland vs Israel to be cancelled.It was reported on Monday that the game could be moved out of the Aviva Stadium and into a neutral venue, however the FAI said the board is still meeting to “discuss the operational aspects” of the fixture.Duncan Smith TD, Labour spokesperson for foreign affairs, and Senator Alison Comyn of Fianna Fáil speak to The Last Word.Hit the ‘Play' button on this page to hear the piece.

Best-selling US author Kathryn Stockett joins Matt to discuss her new novel, The Calamity Club. It's the second novel following the phenomenal success of The Help which sold 15million copies worldwide and was turned into a film staring Emma Stone. However, the success quickly turned to controversy after criticism that a white author was detailing black American experiences. Kathryn Stockett talks to Matt about writing through the sometimes paralysing criticism and why it took many years to bring the story in her latest novel to life.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

From sauna and Pilates packages to golf trips, Sarah Slattery from thetravelexpert.ie has the latest in summer deals for a long weekend or mid-week break in Ireland. To listen to the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

Jack Clark, the founder of AI company Anthropic has said AI is nearing the point of developing itself without human input and that Government policies need to keep control of AI.To discuss this, Matt is joined by Adrian Weckler, tech editor, Irish and Sunday Independent and Puneet Kukreja, Head of Cyber, EY Ireland.To listen to the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

It's less than a week until the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off but the build up to this year's tournament has been embroiled in off the pitch controversies.Conflict between the US and Iran, soaring ticket prices and environmental issues have dominated the discourse in recent weeks.Dave Hannigan, journalist based in the US and author of ‘We Need To Talk About Roy: The Keaneification of Modern Ireland' joins Matt on The Last Word to describe what the mood is like across the pond.Hit the ‘Play' button on this page to hear the chat.

This week there was a very public falling out between Kerry's political sibling duo Michael and Danny Healy Rae after Michael went on radio to suggest that his brother cost him his junior ministry.Michelle Obama told young people who don't like their jobs that they need to develop greater 'resilience'.And what is doom spending?Edel Coffey and Dion Fanning join The Last Word to discuss the week's trending stories.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Former captain in the Irish Navy, Marie Gleeson, has released her memoir “Be Like the Sea”.She speaks candidly to Matt about her experience working in the military, how the skills from her professional life transfer to her personal life, and the heartbreak of losing her son at just six days old.Hit the ‘Play' button on this page to hear the piece.

The European Commission has taken Ireland to court for failing to stop illegal peat extraction.The Commission said there was “significant” cutting happening with no planning permission or assessments of the environmental impact of doing so.John Gibbons speaks to Matt on The Last Word.Hit the ‘Play' button on this page to hear the piece.

The price of memory chips is soaring as manufacturers struggle to keep up with the massive demand from Artificial Intelligence companies.Andy O'Donoghue joins The Last Word to discuss the impact of the rising cost of these chips which are essential for everyday tech products like laptops, phones and even electric cars.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Author and Irish Times Books Editor, Martin Doyle, joins Matt to discuss his latest book. A Hosting: Interviews With Irish Writers 1991-2026, delves into Martin's journalistic archive to present a compilation of interviews with some of Ireland's best loved writers. He also discusses his favourite books, films, music, movies and more. To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

New research by the National Dairy Council has shown that half of Irish adults value a healthy breakfast, but that convenience and time constraints sometimes impact their choices.What food types should we aim to eat in the morning to ensure we feel sustained and energised?Sarah Keogh, Registered Dietician and Founder of Eatwell.ie joins Matt on The Last Word.Hit the ‘Play' button on this page to hear the piece.

People with petrol and diesel cars that are more than 13 years old will be eligible for grants of €8,500 to purchase a new electric vehicle under new a State scrappage scheme.A significant portion of the €10 million scheme would be ringfenced for those living in rural Ireland.Geraldine Herbert, motoring editor for the Sunday Independent, and Ciaran Ahern, Labour TD and climate spokesperson, join The Last Word to discuss the merits of the scrappage incentive.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

There are signs of a strain in the relationship between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over Israeli threats to resume bombing in Lebanon which have put US ceasefire talks with Iran at risk.Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone join The Last Word to discuss this and more of the latest news from the United States.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Three out of every four people who socialise in Dublin would like to see later nightclub opening times, according to new research undertaken on behalf of the Licensed Vintners Association (LVA).Donall O'Keeffe, chief executive of the LVA, and Hazel Chu, Green Party deputy leader and Dublin City councillor, join The Last Word to discuss whether nightclubs in the capital should stay open later and what this would mean for Dublin's night-time economy.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

This week, Pope Leo XIV used the first major teaching document of his papacy to warn about the threat of artificial intelligence.Dublin City Council said 'bin interference' by people looking for bottles and cans has cost it €500,000 and is leading to more rubbish on city streets. And, a popular statue of Dublin folk legend Luke Kelly is undergoing extensive repair after visitors repeatedly broke off strands of its distinctive copper hair to take as souvenirs.Dave Hanratty and Lise Hand join The Last Word to discuss the week's trending stories.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Ireland currently has 10 bank holidays in the calendar year which is two fewer than the EU average.It's a topic that has been up for debate in recent years, with Green Party leader Roderic O'Gorman previously calling for more to be added.Richard Boyd Barrett, People Before Profit TD and Damien McCarthy, Managing Director at HR Buddy speak to Matt on The Last Word.Hit the ‘Play' button on this page to hear the piece.

Author and academic Darragh McGee has published his new book “Imitation Games: How Gambling Hijacked Sport”.He examines how betting has become more prominent in the experience of watching live sport and how young people – particularly young men – are being targeted through relentless marketing campaigns and ads.He speaks to Matt on The Last Word.Hit the ‘Play' button on this page to hear the piece.

Rules surrounding plans for rural housing which aims to increase supply in Ireland are set to be eased at Cabinet next month.Would this be a positive move for rural areas, and what would the environmental impact of such a move be?Commentator John Gibbons speaks to Matt on The Last Word.Hit the ‘Play' button on this page to hear the discussion.

Andy O'Donoghue joins The Last Word to chat about how you can get your home setup ready for the World Cup.He has recommendations for high quality soundbars, projectors and other gadgets to improve at home viewing.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Writer Doireann Ní Gríofa joins The Last Word for the Culture Club.Doireann chats to Matt about her favourite music, movies, TV and more as well as her new book 'Said The Dead'.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

The government is set to oppose a Bill that calls for restrictions on ads for alcohol-free drinks.Padraig Rice TD of the Social Democrats is set to bring the Public Health (Alcohol) (Amendment) Bill 2025 forward on Thursday.Deputy Rice and Fine Gael TD John Clendennan speak to Matt on The Last Word.Hit the 'Play' button on this page to hear the piece.

After years of delays, Cabinet agreed this week to bring forward the Occupied Territories Bill, which will prohibit the import of goods from Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories.However, opposition TDs have criticised the Government as the proposed legislation excludes a ban on services. The Taoiseach defended the move saying they had to consider the implications for Irish jobs.Labour Party Senator Laura Harmon and Shay Brennan, Fianna Fail TD, join The Last Word to discuss.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Eoin O Broin, Sinn Féin TD and housing spokesperson and Seamus McGrath, Fianna Fáil TD and housing spokesperson discuss the costs of emergency accommodation. They also debate what lies behind the increasing costs and whether current Government plans will end long terms homelessness by 2030.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone join The Last Word to discuss the latest news from the United States including stalled negotiations to end the Iran war, continued backlash against a slush fund for Trump allies, and the ballooning cost of the US President's ballroom.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Former boss of Channel 4 Michael Grade has said the television industry faces a “watershed moment” after three participants of Married at First Sight UK made allegations of rape by their husbands.Joe O'Shea and Elaine Burke speak to Matt on The Last Word's TV & Streaming slot.Hit the ‘Play' button on this page to hear the piece.

Barry Taylor joins The Last Word to discuss some great walking holidays that aren't the Camino. He has details on shorter routes in Ireland that could be done over a long weekend as well as longer routes abroad. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

While on a visit to Italy this week, Taoiseach Micheál Martin met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, the first meeting between a pontiff and a Taoiseach since 2018.Meanwhile, CMAT made headlines as she won the prestigious Ivor Novello Award for Best Album for her album 'Euro-Country'. The Irish popstar used the opportunity to urge artists to stop "sitting on the fence".And a new survey has indicated a growing interest in the Irish language on both sides of the border.Cathal O'Sullivan and Elaine Burke join The Last Word to discuss all of these and more of the week's trending stories.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

On Saturday, Leinster take on Bordeaux Begles in this year's Champions Cup final.After so much heartbreak in the competition in recent seasons, can Leo Cullen's side finally get over the line?Liam Toland and Matt Williams join Matt on The Last Word to preview the game.Hit the ‘Play' button on this page to hear the chat.

Brian Lloyd joins The Last Word to review the week's biggest movie releases, 'The Mandalorian and Grogu' and 'Finding Emily'.He also discusses the latest movie news including reports that Michael Bay, the director behind 'Pearl Harbor', 'Armegeddon' and the Transformers movies, is set to direct a military drama based on the recent rescue of two US pilots in Iran.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Andy O'Donoghue talks to Matt about the latest gadgets for all kinds of holidays, whether a weekend getaway or a long haul, backpacking adventure. From cordless hair straighteners to satellite phones, Andy has you covered for all eventualities.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

Author Rosemary Hennigan is the latest guest to join The Last Word for the Culture Club!She chats to Matt about her favourite music, movies, TV shows and more as well as her new novel 'The Hotel Guest'.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

A new survey conducted by Morgan McKinley has found that employers reversing rules regarding work from home arrangements has increased their considerations for leaving their jobs.The study also found that women are disproportionately impacted by having to return to the office more frequently.Tracy Keevans, Global Foreign Direct Investment Director at Morgan McKinley, speaks to The Last Word about the findings.Hit the ‘Play' button on this page to hear the piece.

This week on The Last Word, Charlie Weston, personal finance editor with the Irish Independent, looks at how much people's day-to-day costs have increased over the last five years. He also discusses Sky's latest crackdown on so-called 'dodgy boxes' and runs through the details of a new savings account from PTSB.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!