The Last Word with Matt Cooper

Roe McDermott, Movies Editor with Hotpress, joined Matt for this week’s movies slot on The Last Word.She predicted who she thinks will win big at Sunday night’s Academy Awards and discussed the release of “The Last Showgirl” starring Pamela Anderson.Matt and Roe also remembered the Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, whose death was announced on Thursday morning alongside his wife Betsy Arakawa.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

At GAA Congress in Donegal last weekend, president Jarlath Burns described rural depopulation as “a full-blown crisis” for the association.Speaking at the event, Mr. Burns said “it is unconscionable that we would be the generation who preside over the permanent demise of rural Ireland.”So, what can the GAA do to ensure rural clubs in Ireland survive?Michael Foley, sportswriter with The Sunday Times, spoke to Matt about the issue.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the conversation.

Following the introduction of several conservation measures, the number of brown bears has risen by 17% across Europe since 2016. Experts have seen a 12% rise in the Eurasian lynx and a 16% jump in the number of wolverines over the same time period.Environment commentator John Gibbons joined Matt on Thursday to discuss this.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear the chat.

To celebrate the release of his new book “The Boy From The Sea”, author Garrett Carr was The Last Word’s latest entry to the Culture Club.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear his choices.

Glanbia's share price fell by around 20% today as the nutrition company predicts its 2025 profits will take a battering, Ian Guider, columnist with the Business Post, joins The Last Word to discuss this and more of the day's business news. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Leinster and Ireland legend Brian O’Driscoll joined Matt on Wednesday to talk about Ireland’s win against Wales in round 3 of the Guinness Six Nations, and what they need to improve on ahead of the huge clash with France at the Aviva Stadium. They discussed what Ireland’s bench might look like, their struggles at the scrum, and Jack Conan’s impressive tournament so far.Brian spoke to The Last Word as Guinness teams up with Field of Vision to bring a revolutionary sensory experience to visually impaired fans at this year's Men’s & Women’s Six Nations Championships.Hit the ‘Play’ button on this page to hear their chat.

A new survey has found that most people are not willing to pay more for a transition to renewable energy.Charlie Weston, personal finance editor with the Irish Independent, joins The Last Word to discuss why people might not want to fund a green future. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

Matt talks to Zara, a Focus Ireland Ambassador about her experience accessing the services of the homelessness charity and how she was helped in securing the future of her family.To listen to the full conversation, press the 'play' button on this page.

Gabija Gataveckaite, political correspondent with the Irish Independent, and Peadar Toibin, leader of Aontú, join The Last Word as it has been revealed that a scanner at the National Gallery, which cost almost €125,000, has been lying idle for eight years.Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Jack Chambers also joins to Matt to discuss the ‘huge frustration and anger’ among taxpayers over cost overruns in the public sector.Catch the full discussion by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!

French President Emmanuel Macron met with President Donald Trump at the White House this week and the two leaders clashed over how much money each has given to Ukraine.Cal Thomas, nationally syndicated columnist, and journalist Marion McKeone joins The Last Word to discuss the latest news from the United States.Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page!