The Last Word with Matt Cooper

Timothy Gay, a Pulitzer-nominated author and journalist, dives into the life of golf's global icon, Rory McIlroy. He explores the cultural complexities of 'Roryland,' shaped by influences from Ireland, Britain, and the U.S. Timothy discusses Rory's close-knit 'Mac Pack,' his contrasting national identity, and how he rejuvenated the Irish Open. He reflects on Rory's relatable struggles, his public perception, and the pressures of maintaining focus after achieving a career Grand Slam.

Aoife Barry, a broadcaster and author known for her insight on culture and media, teams up with Paddy Duffy, a freelance TV producer and commentator, to dive into this week’s hottest topics. They investigate Penneys clothing’s surprising durability failures and discuss the sustainability challenges of cheap fashion. The conversation shifts to a US campaign encouraging air travelers to dress more civilly. Plus, they celebrate the quirky tale of runaway nuns returning to their convent and touch on alarming trends regarding teen access to weight-loss drugs.

Emmet Kirwan, an actor, playwright, and activist, passionately discusses his role as an ambassador for Focus Ireland's No Child Without a Home campaign. He shares personal stories that highlight the trauma faced by homeless families, emphasizing the impact of economic pressures on family planning in Ireland. Emmet also reflects on his generation's struggles with renting and the implications for future stability. Additionally, he talks about his role in A Christmas Carol at the Gate Theatre, bringing warmth and relevance to the holiday classic.

Dr. Carmel Hannan, an Associate Professor in Sociology at the University of Limerick, explores the connection between women's education and declining birth rates in Ireland. She discusses how postponed adulthood and economic insecurity contribute to smaller families. Dan O’Brien, Chief Economist at the Institute of International and European Affairs, places Ireland's trend within a global context, raising questions about economic sustainability and the implications of an ageing population. Together, they examine the balance between cultural choices and economic pressures impacting fertility.

Katriona O'Sullivan, an esteemed author and academic, recently celebrated her wins for Biography of the Year and Last Word Listeners' Choice at the An Post Irish Book Awards. In this conversation, she shares how her bestselling book, Poor, connects with a diverse audience through themes of hope and resilience. Katriona also gives a sneak peek of her upcoming book, Hungry, exploring society and body image. Additionally, her new role at the National Centre for Inclusive Higher Education highlights the importance of access initiatives in supporting students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

John Gibbons, a climate scientist and commentator, shares insights on the challenges faced at COP30. He discusses the precarious state of the climate negotiations and how the push to phase out fossil fuels was contested. Notably, commitments on deforestation were notably absent, raising concerns. Gibbons also highlights significant renewable energy advancements in China, contrasting it with setbacks in the U.S. Lastly, he explains the alarming AMOC slowdown and its potential catastrophic effects on Ireland's climate and food security.

Andy O'Donoghue, a tech journalist and gadget guru, delivers an A to Z guide of his top Black Friday and Christmas gift picks. He highlights smart luggage with built-in scales, versatile soundbars, and the powerful Google Pixel 10 Pro XL. Andy also recommends smart kitchen scales for tracking nutrition and the waterproof Kobo Libra Color e-reader. With features like improved sound and smart noise cancellation, the Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones shine, while the innovative Muse 2 meditation headband and Whoop 5.0 health strap add to the tech excitement.

Joining the discussion is Fionnuala Jones, a gadget reviewer and broadcaster known for her insights into gaming tech. She shares her take on the PS5 Digital Edition Slim, calling it a versatile entertainment hub with notable gameplay experiences. Fionnuala also dives into the impressive upgrades of the Nintendo Switch 2, like enhanced visuals and battery life, while highlighting compatibility quirks with older controllers. Plus, she reviews Acer Chromebooks and higher-end laptops, comparing their performance and usability for power users.

Ed Smith, a tech and gadget reviewer, brings his expertise to the table, showcasing fun family-friendly devices. He reviews the interactive Lexibook Power Puppy robot dog, emphasizing its appeal to kids, and discusses the longevity of toy robots. Ed also critiques the VTech Kiddie Superstar DJ set, pointing out its fun features and microphone flaws. Plus, he dives into the pros and cons of the Instax Mini 12 instant camera and tests the powerful Eufy G50 robot vacuum, noting its impressive suction and design. Perfect for holiday shopping!

In this discussion, Cathal O'Sullivan, a producer at 98FM and gadget reviewer, shares his experiences testing fitness devices like smartwatches and an ice bath. He critiques the Apple Watch SE3's battery life and compares its running accuracy and sleep tracking with Strava. Faye Shortt, a presenter at Spin 1038, highlights audio products including the JBL Party Box Club 120 for its party-ready features and the compact JBL Grip and Go2 speakers for their impressive sound. Both guests delve into the effectiveness of various gadgets, providing insights for fitness and audio enthusiasts.