The Last Word with Matt Cooper

This week on The Last Word on Music Dee Reddy and John Cadell join Matt to discuss the biggest music stories of the week including Clive Davies death.They also give us their picks of the week Hit Play on this page to listen now

Sommelier Brigid O'Hora joins The Last Word to give her top wine recommendations for summer.Brigid's choices include a Spanish Cava rosé, a classic Muscadet and even a summer appropriate red from an Irish winemaker in northern Spain.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!Full list of the wines recommended by Brigid:Mistinguett Cava Rosé, Penedès, Spain RRP €24Muscadet Le Grand Fief, Loire Valley, France RRP €16Aussuli Grillo, Sicily, Italy €17–19Manon Côtes de Provence Rosé, Provence, France €19Diga, Tom Gallagher, Montsant, Spain €22- €26

This week on The Last Word on the US Marione McKeone and Cal Thomas discuss the ongoing peace negotiations between the White House and Iran.They also discuss Trump's reflecting pool, Tucker Carlson leaving the party and much moreHit Play on this page to listen now

The Government today agreed the first steps to redevelop the iconic General Post Office (GPO) building on Dublin's O'Connell Street.Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers joins The Last Word to discuss how the government plans to utilise the landmark building and how those plans fit into the wider development of the capital.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

The former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson has been found guilty of 18 child sex abuse charges, including rape.The jury of five women and seven men returned with the verdict on Monday afternoon after ten hours of deliberations.Jamie O'Hara, Today FM reporter and Stephen Walker, former political correspondent at the BBC join Matt on The Last Word.Hit the ‘Play' button on this page to hear the piece.

Passengers can travel to 48 destinations from Cork Airport this summer including brand new routes to Nice and Santiago de Compostela.Sarah Slattery from thetravelexpert.ie joins The Last Word to run through some great holidays you can take if you want to fly out of Cork.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

British Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer has resigned from office, paving the way for new leadership.Nick Ferrari, Presenter of Nick Ferrari at Breakfast on LBC, talks to Matt about the fortunes of the Labour leader.He also discusses the rise of former Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, who secured a definitive win in the Makerfield by election, winning back votes from Reform. He seems set to be the only contender for the leadership.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

This week, Cadbury confirmed that its chocolate bars are in fact getting smaller but the company denies that it is trying to fool customers.As the World Cup gets in full swing, many viewers have remarked on the number of ads starring ex-footballer turned professional brand ambassador David Beckham.And, Jimmy Fallon has sparked outrage from Irish fans over his interview with Conor McGregor.Elaine Burke and Lorcan Nyhan join The Last Word to discuss the week's trending stories. Catch the full chat by pressing the ‘Play' button on this page!

On Friday, Andy Burnham was elected as MP in the Makerfield byelection and, in doing so, has further increased the pressure on Keir Starmer's position as Prime Minister and leader of the Labour Party.So, are Starmer's days in Downing Street numbered, and how will Nigel Farage react to such a heavy defeat for Reform?Nick Ferrari, presenter of Nick Ferrari at Breakfast on LBC Radio in London, speaks to Matt on The Last Word.Hit the ‘Play' button on this page to hear the piece.

Fraudster Samantha Cookes spent more than a decade conning people in both Ireland and Britain.A new book looks at how Cookes integrated herself into the lives of vulnerable families and posed as a nanny, a therapist and an author under various identities.Alan Bradley, author of ‘Unmasking Samantha Cookes: The Many Lives of a Serial Fraudster', joins Daniel McConnell on The Last Word.Hit the ‘Play' button on this page to hear the piece.

Patrick Freyne joins The Last Word to discuss his debut novel 'Experts in a Dying Field'.He chats to Matt about writing from his own life, pursuing a music career, and the magic of foxes.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

New data from the Environmental Protection Agency has shown that there were no major improvements in Ireland's water quality in 2025.The EPA has said that the condition of Ireland's rivers have “dropped significantly” in recent years and that high nutrient levels are the biggest challenge to raising standards.Sadhbh O'Neill, Climate and Environmental Researcher and Irish Times Contributor, speaks to Matt on The Last Word's environment slot.Hit the ‘Play' button on this page to hear the chat.

In 2024, hurling coach Niall MacEneaney was knocked down and killed by a drunk driver. That driver was Michael Ball, who at the time was a serving garda. He was recently sentenced to six years after pleading guilty to dangerous driving causing death.Niall's wife Grace Martin talks to Matt about Niall's life and the impact of his loss on her.

Iarla Ó Lionáird is the latest inductee into the Culture Club. He talks to Danny McConnell about his life in music and the upcoming performance at this year's Galway International Arts Festival.Iarla also discusses the music, film, movies, and books that have influences his life.

Since the conflict between the US and Iran began, consumers here in Ireland have experienced a spike in fuel prices.But if the Strait of Hormuz is to reopen, could drivers see the price at the pumps drop?Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor with the Irish Independent, speaks to Daniel McConnell on The Last Word.Hit the ‘Play' button on this page to hear the piece.

John Caddell and Dee Reddy join The Last Word to discuss the latest music news and also to rank the best world cup anthems.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

News this week that the US and Iran have reached a memorandum of understanding to end the conflict that has caused massive global disruption will be welcomed by many.But the reported details of the deal indicate that for US President Donald Trump, the consequences of this war may have greatly outweighed any gains.Cal Thomas and Marion McKeone join The Last Word to discuss this and more of the latest news from the US.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

The draw for Round 3 of the All-Ireland Gaelic football championship has been made with some blockbuster ties to be played across the 20th and 21st of June.Kerry face Armagh in Killarney on Saturday, while Donegal head to Croke Park on Sunday to play Dublin.Meanwhile, Mayo host Meath on Saturday evening in MacHale Park before the round wraps up in Clones with Monaghan vs Westmeath.Colm Keys, GAA Correspondent with the Irish Independent and Off The Ball's Will O'Callaghan join Matt on The Last Word.Hit the ‘Play' button on this page to hear the chat.

Sarah Slattery from thetravelexpert.ie joins The Last Word to chat about some of the best things to do and see in Miami, Florida including the stunning beaches, distinctive art and architecture and wonderful Hispanic culture.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Today FM reporter Emily Keegan joins The Last Word to outline what was heard on the fourth day of the trial of Riad Bouchaker who is accused of the attempted murder of three children on Dublin's Parnell Square in November 2023. Bouchaker has pleaded not guilty to eight charges including assaulting two other children, a passerby and a crèche worker. He also denies being in possession of a knife.Hear the full report by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.

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!