The Last Word with Matt Cooper

Former Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader, Leo Varadkar has released his autobiography ‘Speaking My Mind’.He joined Matt on The Last Word to discuss his career in politics and why he resigned in March 2024, the ongoing housing crisis in Ireland, and receiving threats to his home while in office.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

Would you be interested in trekking across the Sahara Desert on a camel? Or what about staying in somebody's home for free in exchange for looking after their pet?Sinead Kennedy, travel expert and host of wellness activity breaks, joins The Last to discuss a wide range of holidays that are out there for people who want an alternative break away.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Ireland will send its biggest ever team to this year’s World Athletics Championships this year, which gets underway in Tokyo on Saturday morning.With 28 athletes across 14 different events, what are Team Ireland’s medal hopes for the upcoming campaign?Journalist Cathal Dennehy joined Matt to discuss what fans can expect over the coming days.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.

A man suspected of shooting dead the conservative activist Charlie Kirk is in police custody in the US; a new Banksy mural is removed from the Royal Courts of Justice in London; and a EuroDreams player in Ireland has won €20,000 every month for 30 years.Elaine Burke, host of the 'For Tech's Sake' podcast, and Dion Fanning, co-host of the 'Free State' podcast, join The Last Word to discuss the week's trending stories. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Andy O'Donoghue previewed Apple's latest products launched this week, the iPhone 17 and the iPhone Air.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

Michael Moynihan, author and journalist with the Irish Examiner, has published his latest book 'More Than A Game: The GAA and Where It's Going".How will Gaelic football's rejuvenation impact the popularity of hurling across the country? Can the GAA, the LGFA and the Camogie Association realistically exist under one roof? How might rural depopulation impact the future of clubs in the west of Ireland? Michael extensively delves into what the coming years may look like for the association.He joined Matt on Thursday's The Last Word.Hit the 'Play' button on this page to hear their chat.

On Wednesday night, the death was announced of US conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, after he was shot at a university event in Utah.US President Donald Trump confirmed the news, saying “The great, and even legendary, Charlie Kirk is dead. No one understood or had the heart of the youth of the United States of America better than Charlie.”Marion McKeone spoke to Matt on Thursday about Kirk’s rise in political circles and whether his death is likely to change US firearm legislation.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the piece.

RTÉ has announced that it will not take part in the 2026 Eurovision Song contest "if the participation of Israel goes ahead".Elaine Burke, host of the 'For Tech's Sake' podcast, joins The Last Word to discuss the broadcaster's statement and whether other countries may follow suit.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Donald Trump's Doonbeg Golf Club will host next year's Amgen Irish Open.This is the first time the Co. Clare course will host the tournament, with Taoiseah Micheál Martin saying that President Trump would be "welcome" to visit Ireland.Larry Donnelly, Law Lecturer at University of Galway & Political Columnist with TheJournal.ie and Lawrence Donegan, Founder & Editor of McKellar Magazine spoke to Matt on Wednesday.Hit the 'Play' button on this page to hear the chat.

Poet, playwright and spoken word performer FeliSpeaks was the latest inductee into the Culture Club where they discussed their play Octopus Children that has debuted as part of Dublin Fringe Festival. FeliSpeaks also discussed their favourite music, TV shows, books and cultural buried treasures.To catch the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.