The Last Word with Matt Cooper

Acclaimed author and screenwriter John Banville sits down with Matt to discuss his new book Venetian Vespers.They also discuss his extensive career in writingHit Play on this page to catch the full chat

This week on the Last Word on TV & Streaming Elaine Burke, Joe O'Shea and Matt discuss the death of TV presenter and architect Hugh Wallace They also discuss the forthcoming Late Late Toy Show and much moreHit Play on this page to listen now

Dublin City Council will discuss a proposal to de-name Herzog Park, named after the former Israeli president.There have also been discussions about re-naming Dublin Airport, raising questions about whether de-naming property is a good idea or indeed if naming buildings after people is a good idea at all.Matt is joined by Associate Professor of Political Science in DCU Eoin O'Malley and historian and lecturer in gender studies at UCD Dr Mary McAuliffe to discuss. Hit Play on this page to listen now

Russell Alford, co-restaurant critic with the Sunday Times and one half of the GastroGays, joins The Last Word to chat about more of his top travel destinations for those in search of great food.This time he is bringing us to Stockholm where specialties include Swedish meatballs and cardamom buns and then to Berlin for currywurst and kebabs.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Pulitzer-nominated author Timothy Gay sits down with Matt to talk about his new book Rory Land: The Up-and-Down World of Golf's Global Icon.In it he tells the story of one of golf's biggest stars off the back of his incredible sporting year. Hit Play on this page to listen now

A new investigation puts Penneys clothing to the test; the US Department of Transportation urges air travellers to dress better and be more civil; and the story of the runaway nuns.Aoife Barry, broadcaster and author, and Paddy Duffy, TV producer, join The Last Word to discuss the week's trending stories. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Actor, playwright and activist Emmet Kirwan joins Matt in studio to talk about Focus Ireland's Christmas Campaign: No Child Without a Home.Along with being an ambassador for that this Christmas he is also starring in the The Gate theatre's production of A Christmas CarolHit Play on this page to catch the full chat now

Ireland's birth rate has fallen by 20% in just 11 years according a new report from the HSE which shows 53,185 babies were born last year compared to 67,263 in 2014.Dr Carmel Hannan, associate professor in the Department of Sociology at University of Limerick, and Dan O'Brien, chief economist at the Institute of International and European Affairs, join The Last Word to discuss why birth rates continue to fall and what economic and social challenges are created by this.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Two years ago, author and academic Dr Katriona O'Sullivan won Biography of the year and Last Word Listeners' Choice at the An Post Irish Book Awards.She talks to Matt about the impact of winning the awards, her best selling book Poor and its follow-up Hungry, to be released in 2026.Dr O'Sullivan also spoke about her new role, heading up the National Centre For Inclusive Higher Education at Maynooth University.Press the ‘play' button on this page to catch the full conversation.

John Gibbons joins The Last Word to give his assessment of this year's United Nations Climate Change Conference in Brazil.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Following on from The Last Word Gadget Show, Andy O'Donoghue runs through an A to Z of his best Black Friday and Christmas gifting ideas, from smart luggage to e-readers and smart scales.To catch the full conversation and Andy's best recommendations, press the 'play' button on this page.

Matt and Andy O'Donoghue are joined by broadcaster Fionnuala Jones and she gives her thoughts on the Nintendo Switch 2, the PS5 Digital Edition and laptops which are available via Currys.ie.Hit the 'Play' button on this page to hear her reviews.The Last Word's Gadget Show is with thanks to Currys.

Matt speaks to 98FM's Cathal O'Sullivan and SPIN 1038 Presenter Faye Shortt after they spent the week testing fitness and sound gadgets.From speakers and headphones to fitness watches and ice baths, hit the 'Play' button on this page to hear what they thought of all their choices.The Last Word's Gadget Show is with thanks to Currys.

Ed Smith joins Matt and Andy O'Donoghue to review the best gadgets available to children and families this Christmas.From robot dogs to DJ sets, Ed's got something for everyone.The Last Word's Gadget Show is with thanks to Currys and all products can be found on www.currys.ie.

Today FM Lunchtime presenter Louise Cantillon joins The Last Word to chat about the health and beauty tech that she has been testing for the Gadget Show. From an LED face mask to the Dyson airwrap – press ‘Play' to hear Louise review all of the gadgets!Products can be found on currys.ie.

As part of The Last Word's Gadget Show, Russell Alford, 98fm producer and one-half of the GastroGays, has been trying out some incredible food and drink tech including a toaster that makes the perfect toastie, an air fryer for larger families and an at home beer tap.Russell joins Matt and tech journalist Andy O'Donoghue to give his review of all the products he tested.Catch the full chat by pressing the ‘Play' button on this page!Products can be found on currys.ie.

The Last Word Gadget Show is back! Kicking it off, tech journalists Andy O'Donoghue and Elaine Burke join Matt to review the incredible products that they have been testing including the Meta Ray-ban glasses, an affordable smartphone and a record player.Catch the full chat by pressing the ‘Play' button on this page!Products can be found on currys.ie.

The White House said on Tuesday that the United States has made “tremendous progress" towards ending the war in Ukraine but further talks are required.Marion McKeone and Cal Thomas join The Last Word to discuss President Donald Trump's renewed push for a peace deal and more of the latest news from the US.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

The Last Word is continuing its series exploring the issues faced by commuters travelling to Ireland's cities and this time the focus is on Waterford. Donnchadh Mulcahy, Sinn Fein councillor for Lismore, Sadhbh O'Neill, climate and environmental researcher and Irish Times contributor, and Éadaoin Carrick, president of Waterford Chamber of Commerce, join The Last Word to discuss Waterford's transport and congestion challenges.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

The government is often unable to track public spending due to fears it would break GDPR rules leading to issues with finding just where money is goingPolitical Editor at the Irish Daily Mail Craig Hughes joins Daniel McConnell to explain more.Hit Play on this page to listen now

Legendary novelist and presenter Richard Osman joins Matt in studio to talk about his New Book The Impossible Fortune, the latest in the bestselling Thursday Murder Club Mystery series.They also discuss his career, including as a presenter including on Pointless and his podcast alongside Journalist Marina Hyde; The Rest is Entertainment. Hit Play on this page to listen now.

In the fourth 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 busiest cities: Cork.Matt chats to Director of Public Affairs and International Affairs at Cork Chamber, Cathal McSweeney, Fianna Fáil TD for Cork South Central Seamus McGrath and Opinion Editor at the Irish Examiner Deirdre O'Shaughnessy.Hit Play on this page to listen now.

The United States and Ukraine are working on a 'refined' peace plan, aimed at bringing an end to Russia's war, after a leaked US-backed document was criticised for being pro-Russia.Journalist Lara Marlowe joins The Last Word to discuss what is on the cards in the latest peace talks.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Troy Parrott's hattrick in Hungary has kept Ireland's World Cup dream alive but fans will have to fork out a lot of cash if they want to see the Boys In Green take on Czechia in Prague.Lorcan Nyhan, head of training at the Communications Clinic, and Elaine Burke, host of For Tech's Sake podcast, join The Last Word to discuss the week's trending stories. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

The Last Word continues to look at the difficulties people face on their daily commutes around Ireland.Having already discussed the issues in Galway and its surrounding areas, Friday's focus turns to Dublin.Matt spoke to transport commentator Conor Faughnan, Green Party councillor Janet Horner and Mary Rose Burke, Chief Executive of Dublin Chamber of Commerce.Hit the 'Play' button on this page to hear the conversation.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.