The Last Word with Matt Cooper

What does a reluctant earl do when he inherits a 1,600-acre estate in Co Meath?Randal Plunkett, the 21st Earl of Dunsany, joined The Last Word to discuss how he transformed his ancestral home into Ireland's biggest private rewilding project.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

A new report by advocacy group Transport and Environment has found that plug-in hybrid electric vehicles emit just 19% less Co2 than petrol and diesel cars, a much lower figure than the originally projected 75%.Environmental commentator John Gibbons spoke to Matt on Thursday’s The Last Word.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.

Nicola Tallant, Investigations Editor with the Sunday World and host of the Crime World podcast, spoke to Matt about the release from Limerick Prison of former Sinn Fein councillor Jonathan Dowdall who turned state witness in the Regency murder case.Having served his sentence for torture and false imprisonment of a man and for his part in the shooting of David Byrne, it is expected that Jonathan Dowdall will be relocated abroad and enter the witness protection programme.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

In this episode of Think You Know...The Presidents?, presenters Lise Hand and Flor Mac Carthy get to grips with their own 'girl crush' as they recall Robinson's rocky road to the Áras, when she encountered sexism and misogyny along the campaign trail.Mary Robinson didn't just win the presidency in 1990, she blew the dusty doors off Áras an Uachtaráin. That win was a seismic day for Ireland - we had our first woman president, and Ireland was on the cusp of great change, culturally, socially and economically. Mná na hÉireann finally had a voice.

Marie Cassidy, former Chief State Pathologist for Ireland and author, shares insights from her career and her new thriller, Deadly Evidence. She reveals how her forensic expertise enriches her fiction writing, making crime scenes feel authentic. Marie discusses her passion for ballet, the emotional pull of music by David Bowie, and the impact of films like The Way We Were. She also reminisces about the comfort of soaps and her love for live music, making for an engaging blend of crime, culture, and personal stories.

Andrew Porter, international rugby star and author of 'Heart on My Sleeve', shares his journey through grief and recovery. He opens up about how losing his mother at a young age led to an eating disorder and suicidal thoughts, revealing the power of family support in his healing. Porter discusses how rugby became a turning point, re-framing food as fuel, and emphasizes the impact of his late ADHD diagnosis on self-awareness. He highlights how fatherhood transformed his priorities, helping him find balance beyond the sport.

Dr. Shane Timmons, a Senior Research Officer at the ESRI Behavioural Unit, shares insights on eco-labels and their role in promoting sustainable clothing choices. He discusses Ireland’s alarming textile waste and the fast fashion crisis. The conversation covers how eco-labels, particularly a colour-coded A–E rating, significantly increased sustainable purchases. Timmons also highlights upcoming EU regulations that mandate lifecycle data for clothing. The importance of eco-labels for both consumers and brands is emphasized, shedding light on the environmental impact of the textile industry.

In this engaging discussion, music journalist Dee Reddy weighs in on Taylor Swift's latest album, 'The Life Of A Showgirl.' She debates whether fans are experiencing 'popularity fatigue' and the impact of high expectations. The conversation touches on Swift's creative journey post-Era's Tour and examines if her lyrics reflect maturity or youthfulness. Dee also discusses the return of Max Martin and how repeated listens reveal deeper appreciation. Plus, insights into MTV's evolution and its cultural ramifications are explored.

Cal Thomas, a prominent conservative columnist, and Marion McKeone, an insightful journalist, delve into Donald Trump's diplomatic efforts in the Middle East. They analyze the implications of Trump's Israel speech and assess the feasibility of a ceasefire in Gaza. The discussion shifts to the casualties in Gaza and the role of journalism amidst conflict. Marion highlights the complexities of reconstruction and questions U.S. policy towards Hamas. They also preview Trump’s meeting with Ukraine's Zelenskyy, debating the effectiveness of American diplomatic strategies.

In this engaging discussion, Fergus Farrell, a former club rugby player and author of Rebuilding a Man, shares his inspiring journey from a life-altering spinal injury to recovery. He recounts the harrowing details of his accident and the initial shock of paralysis. Fergus emphasizes the power of visualization in reclaiming movement and celebrates the emotional triumph of moving his big toe after 31 days. He also opens up about personal losses during recovery and his current coping strategies, alongside efforts to raise awareness on mental health and resilience.